Men's Basketball Preview

By Jeff Christian
The Collegian

Although the Fresno State men's basketball team's season has been a turbulent ride, one thing has remained constant, the Save Mart Center has been the team's sanctuary.

The 'Dogs are 3-0 during conference play when playing at home in front of the Bulldogs faithful. Unfortunately for the 'Dogs, their road game outcomes have been woeful and their inability to compile a road victory in WAC play has them dropping in the WAC standings.

The 'Dogs will get a chance to protect their home-court Saturday night when they host conference foe Louisiana Tech. Fresno State will need to improve on its recent string of poor shooting if they hope to defeat a talented and experienced Tech team.

Junior guard Eddie Miller will start in place of Ja'Vance Coleman for the second straight game. The loss of the struggling guard, who took a personal leave of absence from the team after missing two practices earlier this week, will be felt as the team tries desperately to find consistency off the bench.       

Fresno State Probable Starting Lineup

Point Guard        

Kevin Bell - 5’10”, 165 lb., Jr.

The key to offensive success. KB needs to continue to protect the ball and find consistency from the outside to stretch the defense.   

Shooting Guard 

Eddie Miller - 6’3”, 170 lb., Jr.

The best true shooter on the team, but he needs to continue to improve his defense now that he’s in the starting lineup.

Forward

Quinton Hosley - 6’6”, 210 lb., Sr.

Q needs to continue to attack the basket and take advantage of his low-post skills.    

Forward

Dominic McGuire - 6’8”, 210 lb., Jr.

Blocked shots, rebounds and points, but his defense against McKenzie will be key.  

Forward

Hector Hernandez - 6’9”, 225 lb., Jr.

The ’Dogs need their 3-point sniper to be firing accurately and at-will.

Louisiana Tech Probable Starting Lineup

Guard

Drew Washington - 6’2”,175 lb., So.

Quick to find the open man and will provide a decent scoring punch if left open.

Guard

Trey McDowell - 6’3”, 180 lb., Sr.

Can score from anywhere and has averaged 25 points per game in his last three contests.

Forward

Jerome Richardson - 6’4”, 200 lb., Sr.

Plays strong on the defensive end but on offense he commits turnovers and has no outside range.  

Forward

Chad McKenzie - 6’7”, 210 lb., Sr.

The team’s leading scorer can get to the basket with regularity but his outside shot might be a weakness.

Forward

Harry Disy - 6’7”, 225 lb., Sr.

Lead’s the team in rebounds but doesn’t provide much offense. His struggles at the free-throw line could be the difference if the game is close.

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