Fresno State vs. Louisiana Tech
Game Preview by EDDIE HUGHES
Bulldogs
Point Guard
Freshmen Dominique White (one assist, no turnovers) and Kevin Bell (six assists, no turnovers) played very efficiently in the Bulldogs’ last meeting with Louisiana Tech. But it still wasn’t enough for the win.
Wing
Fresno State’s leading scorer, Ja’Vance Coleman, was a combined 8 for 38 in the first two games against Tech. Dwight O’Neil scored just three points in the first two meetings, but he has seen an increased scoring role in recent games.
Wing
Donovan Morris has shot well against Tech this season — 12 for 18 in two games. He’s coming off a 21-point performance in Saturday’s loss at Hawaii.
Power Forward
Freshman Chris Berry and senior Dreike Bouldin each scored 12 points in Fresno State’s loss to Tech at home. Bouldin pulled down 23 rebounds in Fresno State’s road win. His rebounding presence will be key.
Center
Second-team All-WAC center Mustafa Al-Sayyad has not been on top of his game against Tech this year with four points in the first meeting and six in the second. But he’s got more postseason experience than any of his teammates.
Intangibles
Fresno State won at Louisiana Tech. Louisiana Tech won at Fresno State. Now the two teams meet on a neutral site. Should be interesting.
Bulldogs
Point Guard
Daevon Haskins can dish out the assists, but he can also score, as Fresno State has seen this season. Haskins had 14 points and eight assists in the teams’ first meeting, which Fresno State won.
Edge: Even
Shooting Guard
Donnell Allick hurt Fresno State, going for 12 points and five assists in Tech’s win. The 6-foot-4 senior plays with passion and will likely draw either Coleman or Morris on defense.
Edge: Fresno State
Small Forward
Corey Dean scored 13 points on 5 of 12 shooting to go with six assists in Tech’s win in Fresno. His presence can’t be ignored.
Edge: Even
Power Forward
There’s no denying that sophomore Paul Millsap (first-team All-WAC) is Tech’s most dangerous player. He combined for 40 points and 23 rebounds in two games against Fresno State.
Edge: Louisiana Tech
Center
Wayne Powell is a threat inside and out. He has four 3-pointers in the first two meetings combined, and he scored 13 points each game.
Edge: Fresno State
Intangibles
The all-time series is tied 6-6. The game could come down to which team’s star player has the biggest impact.
Edge: Even
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