The Holy Names University Hawks proved no match for Fresno State as the Bulldogs defeated the team 88-54 from Oakland handily at home on Wednesday night.
The Hawks scored the first two points in the game and that would be the closest the team would get to defeating the Bulldogs who controlled the game for the rest of the night.
After a couple of missed shots by the Bulldogs, Holy Names was able to get within six, but an emphatic breakaway dunk by junior guard Jaron Hopkins ignited the team and the crowd.
The ’Dogs led 36-26 at the half. Fresno State played tough defense getting three blocks and seven steals. The Bulldogs also continued their hot shooting going 50 percent from the field as opposed to Holy Names who shot 38 percent.
At halftime, Hopkins led the team in scoring with 10 points. Junior guard Jahmel Taylor went 3-for-4 from the field to have eight points and also added three assists and one steal. Senior forward Cullen Russo had three steals, two assists and two points.
There was no letdown as the second half got underway. At the 17 minute-mark, Russo had another SportsCenter Top 10-worthy dunk as he finished strong at the rim despite getting fouled.
The 10-point lead at half quickly jumped to a 20-point lead. And with 13:49 left in the game, the Hawks’ coach called a timeout with the score 56-33.
The big lead allowed for Fresno State to rest starters Russo, Hopkins, senior guard Paul Watson and Taylor for the rest of the game.
The ’Dogs outscored the Hawks 52-28 in the second half.
As a team, the Bulldogs finished with 43 rebounds, 18 assists, 12 steals and seven blocks.
Sophomore guard Deshon Taylor led the ’Dogs in scoring with 16 points. Hopkins added 15 points, freshman forward Bryson Williams had 12, junior center Terrell Carter had 12 and Taylor had 10.
The Bulldogs (7-3) travel to Stockton, California on Saturday, Dec. 17 to face off against the Pacific Tigers (3-6) at 7 p.m.
