Juan Villa / The Collegian

Tyson Parker̢۪s second half contributions played a pivotal role in Fresno State̢۪s 76-70 win Saturday night against Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

All of Parker̢۪s eight points came in the second half against a tough zone defense that stifled Fresno State̢۪s offensive performance.

The Cal Poly zone kept Fresno State players out of the paint and only allowed Fresno State to take tough contested outside shots.

Parker drove the ball into the heart of the zone, forcing the Cal Poly defense to shift, which is exactly what Fresno State coach Steve Cleveland had in mind.

“Tyson did a great job on the penetration,â€Â Cleveland said. “That’s why I kept Tyson in the game. He had the ability to get into the seams.â€Â

During halftime, Cleveland told Parker that he needed him to attack the zone.

“I just tried to attack the basket; just try to attack the seams,â€Â Parker said. “I just tried to create something.â€Â

Cleveland said the zone had given Fresno State problems all game.

“We have not seen a lot of zones, and tonight we didn’t attack it well,â€Â Cleveland said. “We got perimeter oriented, and kind of stayed satisfied with threes or late in the clock shot shots.â€Â

Cal Poly̢۪s zone defense also caused Fresno State to give up 18 turnovers, the most number of turnovers since conference play began.

“The turnovers were the difference,â€Â Cleveland said. “If we don’t turn it over, we would have a 14-15 point lead.â€Â

The Cal Poly guards were able to take advantage of Fresno State̢۪s turnovers.

Three guards were allowed to score in double digits. No player in the Cal Poly roster averages over 10 points a game.

Cleveland said he wasn̢۪t surprised by the play of the Cal Poly guards.

“It’s not like they don’t have guys that could play,â€Â Cleveland said. “They can beat you off the bounce a lot of different ways.â€Â

Cal Poly guard Lorenzo Keeler led his team in scoring with 21 points.

“Keeler had a big night,â€Â Cleveland said. “He got into a groove and defensively we didn’t do the kind of job we needed to do on him.â€Â

With four minutes to go in the game, Keeler and the Mustangs were up by two points after overcoming a 10-point deficit.

The Mustangs were on their way to avenging last year̢۪s 20-point domination by the Bulldogs, if not for some late-game heroics by Parker.

Half of Parker̢۪s contribution came in the closing moments of game.

Cal Poly led 62-60 with roughly four minutes to go.

Parker drove the ball into the paint, where Cal Poly̢۪s forwards awaited the small guard. Parker went for the lay-up, but missed, sending the ball off of the left hand of the rim.

Parker recovered from the miss, and Cal Poly̢۪s big men were drawn to the left. With both big men out of the way, Parker tipped his own shot in and tied the game at 62.

After a missed lay-up from Cal Poly, Eddie Miller nailed a three-pointer to give the ‘Dogs a three point lead with 2:29 to go.

Shorty after the three-pointer, Cal Poly missed another shot and Parker was back to take full advantage.

Parker sprinted down the court at full speed, and senior guard Kevin Bell hit Parker with a perfect pass. Parker caught the pass and laid the ball in.

The lay-up marked a five-point lead with two minutes to go in the game. Cal Poly never recovered from the seven-point swing.

The win improves Fresno State̢۪s record to 13-15, but the BracketBuster game has no bearing on the team̢۪s conference record.

Cleveland said a win is good no matter what the situation.

“You win this game and practice is better, sleep is better, everything is better,â€Â Cleveland said.

The win also gives the ‘Dogs a two game winning streak going into a game against New Mexico State, who Cleveland argues is the best team in the conference.

“There is no question they are the most talented team in our league,â€Â Cleveland said. “They’re loaded. We’re going to have to play very, very well.â€Â