The Fresno State men’s basketball team (3-6) extended its losing streak to four as it lost 81-66 to Santa Clara University on Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Leavey Center.
The Bulldogs were led by sophomore guard Zaon Collins as he recorded 17 points on an efficient 5-for-10 shooting from the field and 2-for-4 from beyond the arc to go along with his five rebounds, six assists and four steals.
Junior forward Mykell Robinson also contributed with 15 points and seven rebounds.
Although the Bulldogs had surges of production on both ends of the court late in the second half, it wasn’t enough as the Broncos’ hot 3-point shooting kept the ‘Dogs at bay.
39 of the Broncos’ 81 points came from beyond the arc, going 13-for-31 (41.9%) all game and 6-for-13 (46.2%) from 3-point range in the second half.
This was also senior guard Jalen Weaver’s first game back since Nov. 20 against Prairie View A&M, putting junior guard Amar Aguillard back on the bench. In his game back, Weaver recorded two points, three rebounds and two steals.
Another change to the starting lineup was junior forward Alex Crawford, who started in place of junior Mor Seck. Head Coach Vance Walberg opted for a small-ball lineup with freshman forward Elijah Price at the center position.
In his starting role, Crawford had a solid game pitching in with 13 points on an efficient 5-for-7 (71.43%) shooting to go with his season-high three steals.
What happened
To open the first half Crawford scored the Bulldogs’ first 4 points, but the Broncos answered with by going 1-for-2 from the free throw line and a 3-pointer to make things an even 4-4 to start the game.
Minutes later, Augillard and Seck were the first Bulldogs off the bench to replace Price and Weaver.
As the first half went on, the Bulldogs looked to drive to the paint, but it didn’t come easy as the Broncos’ defense was anchored by 7-footer junior center Christoph Tilly. Nonetheless, the ‘Dogs remained persistent to score inside.
In the late minutes of the first half, both teams were trading 3-pointers as Robinson led the charge with his shooting to keep the ‘Dogs in the game. Despite that, the Broncos had the slight edge to close the first half as they led 36-25.
Heading into halftime, the Bulldogs were out rebounded 18-26, allowing nine offensive rebounds. The Bulldogs, who average 14 fast-break points per game, were held to zero fastbreak points in the first half–uncharacteristic for a team that ranks second in the nation in tempo.
Much like the first half, Crawford led the Bulldogs early in the second half as he scored the ‘Dogs’ first six points which sparked a surge on offense as Price pitched in with four quick points to make it a 9-point game.
But the Broncos responded as they increased their lead to 17 points, making the score 59-42 as they continued to sink their 3-pointers.
In a late-game effort, the Bulldogs pressed up full-court, which worked as they forced turnovers and turned them into points. Even so, it was too late, as the Broncos drained the dagger 3-pointer in the corner en route to their 81-66 win.
What’s next
The Bulldogs continue their road trip as they get another chance to snap their four-game losing streak against Brigham Young University on Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 6 p.m.