The streak lasted 350 days, and it took a repeat of history to end it.
The Fresno State women’s basketball team (17-4, 9-1 Mountain West) dropped its first conference game since Feb. 16, 2014, to the San Jose State Spartans. The 56-51 loss is also the Bulldogs’ first overall since Dec. 6, when they lost to George Washington University.
It was also their second-straight loss at San Jose State. In 2014, the ‘Dogs fell 68-66.
Junior guard Shauqunna Collins led the team with 12 points, and senior forward Alex Sheedy added 10 points and 11 rebounds for her seventh double-double of the year.
Turnovers were a problem in this game, as the ‘Dogs tallied 25 that turned into 18 points for San Jose State.
Fresno State senior guard Alex Furr began the scoring with a 3-pointer, but the Spartans were back in it when senior forward Rebecca Woodberry knocked in a triple of her own. That would set the tone of the match, as the ‘Dogs’ largest lead was only six points, achieved halfway through the frame.
With nearly 6 1/2 minutes left in the first half, San Jose State’s Ta’Rea Cunningan knocked in a 3-pointer to give the Spartans their first lead of the game (16-15). They would continue with a 12-0 run to take a seven-point lead.
The Bulldogs battled back and tied the game at 22 with 1:18 left, but Spartans sophomore guard Aniya Baker knocked in a long-range 3-pointer right as the half ended.
The game was balanced in the second half. Both teams went on 5-0 runs, but the Spartans would continue to be on top at 34-27. Toward the end of the game, the ‘Dogs were able to tie the game, but San Jose State capitalized off Fresno State turnovers and built a lead as the clock wound down.
The ‘Dogs will return home on Wednesday to host the UNLV Rebels (8-12, 5-4 MW).