Although there was a late-game push and double overtime, the Fresno State men’s basketball team fell to 3-4 after an 86-81 loss to California Baptist University on Wednesday, Nov. 27, as they concluded the 2024 Acrisure Holiday Invitational.
Junior guard Amar Augillard led the way with 26 points and 8 rebounds, along with freshman forward Elijah Price who had a double-double recording 16 points and 15 rebounds.
Despite late-game heroics from Augillard, a missed free throw to put the ‘Dogs up four, proved to be costly as the Lancers made a half-court shot to send the game to the first overtime. In the second overtime, the Lancers eventually pulled away for the win.
What Happened?
The Bulldogs won the opening tip-off and were the first on the scoring board after sophomore guard Zaon Collins found junior center Mor Seck under the rim for the easy layup. This was followed by a drive to the basket for the layup by senior guard Jalen Weaver to put the ‘Dogs up 4-0 early.
After a Lancer 3-pointer, Augillard rolled his ankle and had to be checked on the bench, but he returned three minutes later. During that stretch the game went back-and-forth, with the Lancers leading 12-10 when Augillard checked back in.
Midway through the first half the game was still back-and-forth, but an offensive flurry from the Lancers would give them a 35-21 lead late in the half.
To close the half, the ‘Dogs went on a 6-2 run to bring the score to 37-27 still in favor of the Lancers.
Heading into halftime the Bulldogs went 0-for-7 from beyond the arc, with 20 of their 27 first half points coming from the paint. Despite shooting 44.8% from the field compared to the Lancers’ 38%, the Bulldogs trailed by 10 points. Also, the ‘Dogs only had one assist in the first half, which came from Collins on the first play of the game.
To open the second half, the Bulldogs went on an 8-0 run sparked by a layup by Weaver on the fast-break, but the Lancers stopped their momentum with a layup of their own. Still, it brought the ‘Dogs within four, cutting the lead to 39-35.
The Lancers answered with an 19-9 run halfway through the second half after poor defense from the Bulldogs to put them up 60-48.
However, after Augillard drained the team’s first three of the game, the ‘Dogs made a late-game push. Following a drive-and-kick by Collins, he found junior forward Mykell Robinson for a three, giving the ‘Dogs a 64-62 lead— their first lead since early in the first half.
With 16 seconds left, the Lancers intentionally fouled to regain possession, sending Augillard to the free-throw line. Augillard went 1-for-2 from the line, and after securing the rebound, the Lancers hit a half-court shot to force overtime.
Overtime began with strong defense from both teams, as neither could make a field goal. However, after the Lancers scored the first field goal, the period turned into a back-and-forth battle, with both teams answering each other’s plays and eventually forcing double overtime.
Like the first overtime, the second overtime was no different as both teams went at it. However, it was the Lancers who closed out the game on top with their strong defense to close the game. The Bulldogs lost 86-81 taking fourth place in the invitational.
What’s Next?
The Bulldogs are back at the Save Mart Center for their first conference game as they take on San Diego State University on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m.