The Fresno State women’s basketball team (2-1) defeated the University of California, Riverside 63-53. Junior forward Mia Jacobs led the way with her third straight double-double to open the season, and surpassed 500 points in a Bulldog uniform on Monday night at the Save Mart Center.
Jacobs, who scored 21 points, while grabbing 15 rebounds and a pair of steals in the win, credited her teammates for helping her surpass the big milestone.
“It’s really exciting, but it’s nothing without my teammates.” Jacobs said.
What happened
The game started off with both teams playing strong defense making it hard for them to find the bottom of the basket. However sophomore guard Taija Sta. Maria would spark some momentum as she swiped down on the ball as a Highlander went up for a layup on the fastbreak.
On the next possession, following a Bulldog shot attempt, Jacobs flew into the paint to grab a rebound. She dribbled into the corner and pulled up for a three, giving the Bulldogs an 8-5 lead. The Highlanders remained unphased, keeping the first quarter competitive. They drained a three to close out the quarter to bring them within three points, 12-9 Fresno State.
In the second quarter, the Bulldogs found holes in the Highlanders’ defense as Jacobs drove to the basket, drew in defenders and kicked it out to sophomore forward Kylee Fox for the three in the weekside corner, giving Fresno State the 15-9 lead.
After a Highlanders score, the Bulldogs found success once again by driving to the paint and finding teammates as Sta. Maria would find sophomore forward Maria Konstantinidou under the basket for a layup, sparking a small run as the lead grew to 19-11.
The Highlanders would go on a run of their own, as they found a lot of weak spots in the Bulldogs’ 2-3 zone, scoring seven straight unanswered points to make it a one point game, 19-18 Fresno State. The Highlanders would close out the quarter strong as they entered halftime down three, 23-20.
Heading into halftime, Jacobs and Konstantinidou led the way rebound wise with six and seven apiece, already on track to have more than last game. The bench scoring was an issue for the Bulldogs as they entered halftime with just four points off the bench to the Highlanders’ 14.
In the third quarter, the Bulldogs found a groove offensively as they worked the drive and kick game once again and got to the foul line, but nothing came easy as the Highlanders were still in the game thanks to their defense and physical style of play. 46-38 to Fresno State.
The fourth quarter was no different to the rest as both teams would not let up. However, the Bulldogs would slowly pull away with the lead due to their defense and the play of sophomore Fox, who scored seven of the Bulldogs’ 17 points in the fourth. She would finish the game with 17 points, most of which coming from baseline cuts and off-ball movement.
Jacobs praised the team’s communication on defense, particularly in the 2-3 zone where communication is key, which got them the win.
“[Communication] is really important because we’re switching and new players are coming in and out of the game,” Jacobs said. “It’s really important to be listening to the bench as well so we know what defense we’re in.”
What’s next
The Bulldogs will host Southern Utah (0-2) this Wednesday at the Save Mart Center. Tip off is at 6 p.m. Any fan wearing a jersey will get into the game for free.
