After a slow start in the first half, where it gave up 27 points, Fresno State’s defense held Fresno Pacific to only 15 points in the second half.
Even with the starting struggles, the ‘Dogs won 70-42 in their first regular season game of the season at the Save Mart Center on Monday, Nov. 6.
Despite winning by 28 points, Bulldogs’ Head Coach Jaime White was impressed with the Sunbirds’ physicality.
“I thought it was a very physical game. Kudos to Fresno Pacific,” White said. “They didn’t have the size, but they gave us everything they could physically.”
Fresno State had balanced scoring on the night as its leading scorer, freshman guard Taija Sta. Maria only had 12 points.
The first quarter was back and forth, with six lead changes. The ‘Dogs ended the quarter up 19-17 after guard Thea Mikkelsen made three free throws.
Forward Mia Jacobs led Fresno State with seven points in the first quarter.
Fresno Pacific started the second quarter on a 6-2 run after making two 3-pointers to take a 23-21 lead. Both teams struggled offensively in the second quarter. Both teams had 10 points in the quarter until Bulldog guard Keely Brown hit a three with three seconds left in the half.
The first half was an offensive struggle for both teams as they both shot under 40% from the field. Even though the Sunbirds shot poorly overall, they were 4-of-9 on 3-point attempts to keep them in the game.
Fresno State didn’t hit from deep until Brown’s 3 late in the quarter. Overall, it shot 14% from the 3-point line.
Even with the poor shooting, the ‘Dogs dominated on the glass and got to the free-throw line.
They out-rebounded the Sunbirds 20-12 and made 13 free throws, compared to five from the Sunbirds.
“To be honest, I think our free throws kept us in the game in the first half,” White said.
Despite the struggles, Fresno State ended the half up 32-27. Brown and Jacobs each had nine points, leading the team.
The ‘Dogs started the second half on an 8-2 run to take their first double-digit lead of the night.
After not building a lead larger than five in the first half, Fresno State used a strong defensive third quarter to build an 11 point lead at the end of the quarter.
Rebounding was once again a strength for the Bulldogs, as they had a 14-4 advantage in the third quarter.
The ‘Dogs defense was stingy as they forced four turnovers, only gave up eight points and held the Sunbirds to just 3-of-12 from the field.
The fourth quarter was more of the same for Fresno State as the defense held Fresno Pacific’s offense at bay.
Not only was the defense performing well, but the offense also broke through in the fourth. The team scored 24 points and shot 56.3% from the field.
With the win, Fresno State improves to 1-0 to begin the season. It will stay home at the Save Mart Center to take on the University of California, Merced on Friday, Nov. 10.
