The Fresno State women’s basketball team hosted Mountain West conference leading Colorado State Saturday afternoon at the Save Mart Center, but were unable to close out the game after the Rams fought back to win it in overtime 66-64.
The Bulldogs wore pink jerseys in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness and recognized breast cancer survivors throughout the game.
Led by Candice White and Bego Faz Davalos who had 18 and 13 points respectively, the ’Dogs (14-10, 7-6) controlled the first three-and-a-half quarters, but were unable to secure a win late after the Rams (19-6, 11-2) capitalized on early shots in overtime.
The ’Dogs started the first quarter on a tear behind Kendra Martin and Tory Jacobs who each connected on three-pointers to push the lead to six points.
With seven minutes remaining in the quarter, the ’Dogs were amidst an 8-2 run when Emilie Volk finished off the first quarter with a 3-pointer to give the Bulldogs a 20-10 lead. Volk ended the quarter with a team-high seven points.
The Rams fought back in the second quarter outscoring the ’Dogs 15-12.
White kept Fresno State in the game late in the second quarter after she connected on a 3-pointer with two and a half minutes left. The lead grew to seven after Davalos scored the bucket to end the half.
The ’Dogs started off the third quarter on a 4-0 run after Jacobs scored on a breakaway layup. Volk continued to show her passing ability with an accurate dish inside the key to Davalos for the score.
The Rams closed out the third quarter 18-15 to bring them within striking distance.
The fourth quarter began to tighten after the Rams tied the game late.
White took over down the stretch with multiple clutch plays. She drove to the basket for a tough layup and was fouled, but was unable to convert the free show. With 50 seconds left in the game, White spun around her defender and laid the ball in for the score.
The following play, the Rams were able to hit a game-tying 3-pointer to send it to overtime.
The ’Dogs and Rams battled back and forth throughout the extra quarter. White scored four of the ’Dogs five points, but couldn’t rescue her team after the Rams converted on a last second jumper to seal the victory in overtime.
The Bulldogs continue their goal for a tournament bid with an away game against San Jose State (8-16, 5-7) Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. Fresno State won the last meeting 88-74 back in January.
