Wiggins guides 'Dogs to 23rd win

By Chhun Sun
The Collegian

For the Bulldogs to win is to make a statement.

And they did exactly just that in Thursday night’s Women’s National Invitation Tournament matchup against UC Santa Barbara of the Big West Conference.

The Bulldogs didn’t disappoint, defeating the Gauchos 78-59 at the Save Mart Center in front of an announced crowd of 1,820. The win marks the 23rd of season, setting a school record for victories.

“It’s a goal of ours,” Wiggins admitted. “That was their No. 1 goal. They wanted to be the best to ever play in this program. As a group, they decided they wanted to do that.”

But that’s not all.

To win is to keep the “Hire Adrian Wiggins” campaign going strong.

“It’s also a way to show we want him as our coach,” junior Brittani Green said. “We wouldn’t win as many games as we do if we had a different coach.”

Since taking over the coaching helm on Feb. 5, 2005, Wiggins has guided the Bulldogs to a 30-11 overall recording, including 20-1 at home.

This season, Fresno State is 14-1 at home.

The coaching statement took its peak against San Jose State at home on Feb. 22, when some of the Bulldog players used duct tape, with words “Fab 5” written on it, to show that they wanted Wiggins and his four assistant coaches back to work next season.

They used the duct tape as part of their uniform.

Even the fans are partaking in this affair, with some holding signs reading “Hire Wiggins” and chanting “We Want Wiggins” during the home games.

And Wiggins can’t enter the locker room after home games without shaking hands with fans and being congratulated.

Fresno State has posted up the coaching position on its Web site, and Wiggins said he would apply.

“It’s always in the back of your mind, but as a good coach you try to block it out and focus on the next game,” Wiggins said.

Gauchos coach Mark French sees it, too.

“I think they’re a good team. They’re deep, very athletic. I guess that’s why they’re 23-7,” he said.

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