Fresno State made it four straight double-digit victories after a convincing 86-65 victory over Mountain West Conference foe, Colorado State. With the postseason less than a month away, things couldn’t get any better for Rodney Terry’s men.
“The guys did a really good job of sharing the basketball today,” Terry said. “We knew going into the game we needed to have good ball movement and good player movement, we did those things for the better part of the game. We also played really good shooter defense, which we needed to win this game.
“This part of the year is about your identity, what you stand for and your habits. We are a team that is build for the tournament. We have depth, experience, good guard play and we could go out and play another 40 minutes tonight. “
Bryson Williams led the Bulldogs charge with 19 points along with 10 rebounds. Williams was one of six players to score in double-digits for Fresno State, including a stellar performance from Jaron Hopkins. The senior guard tallied 12 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
Hopkins contributed his play to a sense of urgency. Every game is important and the idea isn’t lost on the senior.
“I’m trying to play with good energy on defense, and just be as confident as I can on the court for my team as a leader,” Hopkins said. “Everyone on this team believes that we can do big things and get to the tournament. This is crunch time right now, we realize that and we’re trying to play with urgency. We believe in one another and we are going to continue to believe in one another.”
The first half opened back-and-forth before Fresno State pulled away midway through the half.
Terrell Carter converted a three-point play to cut the Bulldog deficit 14-12. Williams followed up with a two-point basket of his own and Fresno State seemed to take off. The Bulldogs ripped off a 10-2 run, fueled by six points from Nate Grimes.
Fresno State had their way in the first half in route to a 52-30 scoreline in the paint for the game.
The second half was more of the same for Fresno State. With an 11-point lead intact, the Bulldogs went to work, out scoring the Rams by 10 in the second half.
With only four games left in the regular season, Fresno State now faces a road game against the University of Nevada Las Vegas who they beat earlier in the season 69-63 in Fresno.
“We are just excited to go out and compete,” Williams said. “UNLV is a really good team in the Mountain West. We have to go in there and play Bulldog basketball, and play as hard as we can.”