Sarah Gilbert / The Collegian
Bulldogs get 20th win of season against New Mexico State and honor seniors in final home game
Coming into Wednesday night̢۪s home finale, the Bulldogs had two goals: get a needed victory to stay in contention for the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) title and honor three seniors on senior night.
Along the way, Fresno State had an unexpected accomplishment.
The ̢۪Dogs came out strong in the first half and never looked back, getting a 69-62 victory over the New Mexico State Aggies. The win improves the ̢۪Dogs record to 20-8 and puts the Bulldogs into first place with Louisiana Tech.
Guard Jaleesa Ross led the Bulldogs with 23 points on 8-of-10 shooting and helped the Bulldogs rebound from Monday̢۪s tough home loss to the Lady Techsters.
“It was very important for us to come out hard, not only for our seniors, but to get ready for the WAC tournament,â€Â Ross said. “We have to win our next game to be WAC champs.â€Â
The Bulldogs met their goals for the night with the victory, and also broke a team record set last season. Fresno State went 12-of-25 for 3-point land and set season records in 3-pointers made and attempted in a single season.
The team is currently 272-of-775, or 35 percent from beyond the arc this season.
“It is like a lay-up now,â€Â senior guard Bailey Amundsen said.
Seniors make a last stand
Amundsen was the team̢۪s second leading scorer in her final game at the Save Mart Center. Along side her, senior point guard LaToya Brown got the start over usual starter LaShay Fears.
Sarah Gilbert / The Collegian
Brown logged 22 minutes and scored six points. While she enjoyed the extra time on the floor and getting the start, it wasn̢۪t too unusual for Brown.
“It wasn’t really any different,â€Â Brown said. “I just came out of the tunnel with the lights dark.â€Â
Both Amundsen and Brown were greeted with standing ovations while exiting the floor, for the final time, in the closing minutes of the second half.
“It is sad to know this is the last time we are going to play here, but it is really nice to know that we have the support from the fans,â€Â Amundsen said.
The third senior, guard LaShaunte Stephens, was honored before the game with the other seniors, but has missed significant time this season with a knee injury and was not able to play against New Mexico State.
Looking back on the seniors̢۪ time at Fresno State, head coach Adrian Wiggins is proud of what they have accomplished on and off the court.
“For me, it has been a pleasure,â€Â Wiggins said, with Brown sitting to his right and Amundsen to his left. “That is why I coach – to be around people like this.â€Â
Too many wins to count
With their usual hustle-press defense and outside shooting, the Bulldogs picked up their twentieth win of the season. It is usually the magic number for an invite to the NCAA tournament, but Wiggins doesn̢۪t keep track of the numbers.
“We say WAC champs a lot,â€Â Wiggins said. “We don’t talk about the number of wins too often.â€Â
Sarah Gilbert / The Collegian
To earn the WAC title, the Bulldogs must win Saturday night at Utah State. A win will guarantee at least a share of the WAC title with Louisiana Tech, if both teams win on Saturday. The Lady Techsters play at New Mexico State.
In the earlier meeting this season, the Bulldogs defeated the Utah State Aggies 68-59, but now the ̢۪Dogs travel to Logan, Utah.
According to Wiggins, his team plays differently from others in the past and are comfortable playing on the road.
If the Bulldogs need any more motivation to get the win on Saturday night, Wiggins will make sure his team stays hungry.
“What we have to continue to improve on is handling success,â€Â Wiggins said. “We have to be able to get three of four wins and still have that hunger, commitment and focus.â€Â