Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Foreign (Exhibition)
Women's Basketball Toppled by New Zealand in Exhibition Opener
11/7/1999 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 7, 1999
FRESNO, Calif. - The New Zealand National Team bolted to an early lead and never let up, defeating the Fresno State Bulldogs 71-52 in an exhibition game at the North Gym. The game's statistics and results will not count towards Fresno State's records.
The Bulldogs were paced by forward Tiffany Lewis (Sr., Inglewood, Calif.), who led both teams with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Amanda Baker (Jr., Porterville, Calif.) was also in double figures with 11 points.
New Zealand received a balanced scoring effort with three players in double figures. Gina Farmer led the National Team with 15 points while Donna Loffhagen had 11. Rebecca Cotton finished with 10.
Fresno State couldn't get on track in the first half, and New Zealand took advantage, outscoring the Bulldogs 43-19 in the game's first 20 minutes. But Fresno State held its ground in the second half, outscoring New Zealand 33-28. It was, however, not enough to cut into the lead.
New Zealand's size advantage allowed it to get the ball inside and take high percentage shots throughout the game. The National Team finished shooting 55% while Fresno State shot 43%.
The Bulldogs return to action Sat., Nov. 13, when they take on the National Women's Basketball League All-Stars in the final exhibition game of the season. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the North Gym.
