Freshman Bree Fairley picked a good time to score her only points of the game, and the Fresno State women’s basketball team couldn’t have picked a better time to take down its fiercest rival.

Avenging two overtime heartbreaking regular-season losses to Louisiana Tech, Fresno State managed to outlast the top-seeded Lady Techsters 78-76.

Behind senior Jaleesa Ross’ game-high 23 points, the Bulldogs were able to hold off a Louisiana Tech second-half surge. Fresno State led at the half 37-26, but the Lady Techsters quickly knotted the score up at 41 just five minutes into the second half.

The close finish nearly mirrored the Western Athletic Conference Tournament finale last season as Fresno State fell two-points short on a missed layup. But Fairley, who only averaged 4.6 points per game this season, made sure Fresno State wasn’t on the short end in 2011.

Senior Taja Edwards had a solid all-around effort, recording a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double effort. Ross also collected her third Tournament MVP honor.

The win gives Fresno State the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The Bulldogs will find who who, when and where they play in Monday’s selection show.