Photos By Brianna Campbell / The Collegian
The Bulldogs men’s basketball team fell Thursday in the first round of playoffs at the Western Athletic Conference Championships after starting forward Mike Ladd was sent home for violation of athletic department policy.
This afternoon Fresno State athletic director Thomas Boeh announced in a news conference from Reno, Nev. that Ladd had been sent home. The reasoning was not said due to confidentiality.
Ladd averaged 10.3 points a night and leads the team with 66 3-pointers made this season, averaging 5.4 attempted a game.
With the starting shooting guard out, and power forward Sylvester Seay sick with the flu, the ‘Dogs were left with little hope in getting past the first round of playoffs.
The Bulldogs came from behind and only trailed by one at the half (33-32). Paul George led the ‘Dogs at the half with 12 points and nine rebounds, while center Greg Smith had only seen five minutes on the floor with three fouls.
The second half started well with the ‘Dogs taking the lead 48-46 with 14 minutes left to play. But the team lost momentum as Louisiana Tech claimed a 10-point lead, posting a final victory over the ‘Dogs 74-66.
Paul George finished the game with 22 points and 11 rebounds followed by Brandon Sperling who had 14 points, four rebounds and four assists.
In just the first half the, ‘Dogs were 2 of 12 from the three-point arc, finishing the game 4 of 18 with a 22 percent shooting percentage.
With or without Ladd the ‘Dogs finished the season today in Nevada at the Lawlor Event Center 15-18.