Over four thousand people filled the stands of Selland Arena on Sunday afternoon to watch the Fresno State men’s basketball team take on the California State University, Bakersfield Roadrunners.
In the Bulldogs’ first game inside the historic arena since 2009, the ‘Dogs weren’t able to take care of business, losing 76-71.
“Very disappointed,” said Head Coach Vance Walberg. “[I] feel like we’ve been getting better and better, just tonight the ball didn’t drop.”
It was a tale of two halves for the Bulldogs, who saw their first-half lead collapse late in the game.
A 3-pointer from guard Zaon Collins gave the Bulldogs a 12-9 lead with 13:54 left in the first half. Following the bucket, the Bulldogs played with a lead for the next 31 minutes.
It wasn’t until four minutes left in the game when the Roadrunners tied it and took the lead shortly after.
In the first half, the Bulldogs had success inside the paint, outrebounding the Roadrunners 27-12. The ‘Dogs forced turnovers and knocked down shots, igniting the Red Wave.
But as the Bulldogs’ offense simmered in the second half, so did the crowd.
Multiple scoring droughts from the ‘Dogs gave the Roadrunners new life.
“I think the biggest thing, you know, just our movement was not as good as it has been lately,” Walberg said.
Despite playing from behind the last three minutes, the Bulldogs had multiple chances to tie the game.
With under 20 seconds to play, the ‘Dogs found themselves down by just three points.
Forward Cameron Faas’ 3-point attempt missed, but an offensive rebound gave the Bulldogs another chance at the tie. Guard Jake Heidbreder launched a 3-pointer with seconds left, but also missed.
As a team, the Bulldogs shot 36% from the field and just 24% from beyond the arc.
Heidbreder led the way with 20 points but shot 2-of-8 from three while Faas was 1-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc.
“Cam Faas is a very good shooter,” Walberg said. “For him to go 1-for-8, I don’t know what Jake was, but we’re better than that.”
The Bulldogs will not return to Fresno until Dec. 30. The team’s next three games are on the road, including the conference opener against the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, on Dec. 20.
Walberg and the Bulldogs will next take on the No. 22-ranked Arkansas Razorbacks on Dec. 6.
