Fresno State Athletics
Miners Down Bulldogs For Second Time this Season
6/21/1999 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
February 11, 1999
Fresno, Calif. - In a fight for a berth in the WAC Tournament, the Bulldogs were unable to pull out a win over the struggling Miners of UTEP, losing 63-71 at home Thursday. Fresno State is now 8-14 overall, 3-6 in the WAC.
The 'Dogs got themselves into a hole early as UTEP jumped out to a quick 16-4 lead with 12:00 left in the first half. The Bulldogs didn't score their first basket of the game until three minutes in off a jumper by Amanda Baker. The Miners were up by as much as 14 in the first half, but Fresno State was able to cut that lead to 10 and headed into the lockerroom at halftime down 25-35. At the half Danielle Graham was the top 'Dog, contributing seven points on 3-of-5 shooting. Sophomore center Angel Hines played just five minutes in the first half after picking up her third personal foul with 12 minutes left in the first half.
The two teams traded baskets in the second half, but Fresno State was able to put together a few mini-runs and cut the Miner lead to four, 44-48, on a baseline drive by Graham with ten minutes left. The 'Dogs continued to keep UTEP within strking distance and a three-pointer by Jessie Farias from the top of the key had the 'Dogs down 59-62 with a little over a minute left. Unlike the Miners, the Bulldogs were unable to hit key free throws down the stretch as UTEP pulled away for the victory. At the line the Miners were 29-of-40, while the Bulldogs made just 22 trips to the line, hitting on 15.
Junior Tiffany Lewis led all Bulldog scorers with 16 points. Graham finished with a career-high 13 points. Freshman Janie McCombs was the top rebounder with a season-high seven boards.
This Saturday the 'Dogs return to action at the North Gym where they face second-place New Mexico (17-5; 8-2) in a must-win game. Only the top six teams in the Pacific Division will advance to the WAC Tournament in Las Vegas. Fresno State is currently in sixth place in the Pacific Division.
