Attendance underwhelming at SMC

By Jeff Christian
The Collegian

Women’s basketball and student attendance are not mutually exclusive.

Thus, I can safely assume that most readers probably weren’t at the Save Mart Center on Saturday to watch our women’s basketball team dominate Idaho.

So, for those of you who were not in attendance on Saturday, I am here to fill you in on what you missed.

If you haven’t seen Fresno State guard Chantella Perera, do yourself a favor and make your way to the Save Mart Center before her career comes to an end.

The scintillating senior displayed her complete arsenal of skills on Saturday. It seemed that whenever the Bulldogs needed a big play, Perera was there to hit a big shot or fly through the air and save the day.

It seems like Perera hits the ground almost as many times as she scores baskets, which is by the handful.

You also missed the Bulldogs pressure defense. Fresno State’s trap defense forced Idaho’s ball handlers to make more mistakes than Miss USA — Tara Conner.

Ball pressure allowed the Bulldogs to get front side position and prevent easy lob passes inside to freshman Katie Madison.

The freshman sensation is a freight truck inside and she entered the game as the WAC's leading scorer.

Fresno State’s rotating trio of defenders: Andrea Roberson, Brittani Green and Jenny Thigpin made Madison look like she was stuck in neutral all afternoon.

The nod for best performance in a heckling role had to go to Idaho head coach Mike Divilbiss.

The coach screamed the word “fundamentals” not to his players, but to referee Brett Duvasconi.

Divilbiss antagonized Duvasconi who eventually slapped the coach with a technical foul. Divilbiss’ response: “I guess that’s poetic justice right there.”

Not only was he constantly all over the referees, he also strategically attacked his players’ self-esteem as well.

One final observation. Can someone explain to me why every woman’s basketball assistant coach that I’ve ever seen is always wearing high heels? It can’t be comfortable, but you’ve got to give them respect for trying to keep it classy on the bench.

With only four home games left, show some support because its been lacking.

Comment on this story in the Sports forum >>