Women’s Basketball
The Fresno State women’s basketball team spent its holiday weekend winning the LMU Thanksgiving Classic Tournament by defeating Belmont and UC Irvine. The tournament was hosted by Loyola Marymount University.
The team faced off against Belmont on Friday afternoon and came out on top, 62-53. The ’Dogs were able to maintain the lead throughout the game. The Bruins pulled within four points with three minutes remaining in the game, but the Bulldogs responded and were able to close out the game thanks to junior center Bego Faz Davalos and sophomore guard Candice White.
Davalos had 24 points, 12 rebounds, seven blocks, two steals and one assist. White added 12 points, five rebounds, four steals and two assists.
On Saturday afternoon, the ’Dogs defeated the UC Irvine Anteaters 63-45. Fresno State’s defense held the Anteaters to a low shooting percentage throughout the game and helped the Bulldogs put the game away.
Davalos again led the way with 15 points, six rebounds, four assists, three blocks and one steal. White contributed 21 points, and sophomore guard Tory Jacobs added 11. Davalos was named to the All-Tournament Team and Tournament MVP.
The ’Dogs return to action on Wednesday night at home against USF (University of San Francisco) at 7 p.m. The men’s game will precede the women’s game.
Men’s Basketball
The Fresno State men’s basketball team defeated Pac-12 school Oregon State 63-58 on Friday night. The team rebounded well after falling to Cal State Bakersfield 71-63 on Nov. 22.
Junior guard Jahmel Taylor had a career-high 21 points, four assists and three steals to lead the way for the Bulldogs. He shot a career-best six 3-pointers and had 17 of his 21 points in the first half.
“The same preparation that we had tonight and the night before is the same thing we need going forward,” Taylor said.
The Bulldogs scored 22 points off of 17 Oregon State turnovers.
Oregon State was able to cut the lead to four with one minute left in the game, but the ’Dogs were able to make free throws down the stretch and make key defensive stops to ensure a Fresno State victory.
“Our guys took a big step forward tonight in terms of growth,” Fresno State head coach Rodney Terry said. “We made big plays when we needed to make big plays.”
The Bulldogs will go up against Menlo College on Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the Save Mart Center. The women’s basketball game will take place after the conclusion of the men’s game.