Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Delaware State
Lane's Impressive Debut Leads Women's Basketball
11/17/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 17, 2001
FRESNO, Calif. - Behind a smashing debut performance from freshman Aritta Lane, Fresno State began the 2001-02 season in style with a 71-49 victory over Delaware State. The Bulldogs' victory, their third season opening victory in a row, makes them 1-0 while the Hornets are 0-1.
Once overcoming some early jitters, Fresno State was able to cruise. FS found itself down 14-11 eight minutes into the contest, but Delaware State suddenly went ice cold, not scoring again for 7 minutes 23 seconds. In that time, the Bulldogs took a five-point lead, which they eventually stretched to a 14-point bulge at the half.
Fresno State's lead hovered around 12 points for the first 10 minutes of the second half, but the Bulldogs couldn't seem to shake a dogged DSC squad. But a 19-6 FS run over the next seven minutes gave them a 65-40 lead and put the game away for good.
"Aritta is a player," head coach Britt King said. "We knew that coming in. She's going to be one of our best post players."
Despite playing in the first game of her Fresno State career, Lane performed like a grizzled veteran. The Aiea, Hawaii, native led everyone with 19 points and 15 rebounds in 32 minutes of action. She was also 9-of-13 from the free throw line. The nine free throws was more than any Bulldog had all of last year.
Also stellar for Fresno State was Lindsay Logan, who had 12 points and 10 assists. Other FS players scoring in double figures were Omelogo Udeze (14) and Channan High (10).
"We met some of our team goals tonight, like 15 turnovers or less," King said. "But we still have some things we need to work on. But overall, I'm happy we could get a win in the first game."
For Delaware State, Ashley Etheridge had 10 points and was the only Hornet to score in double figures. DSC hurt itself with 26 turnovers and only 34 percent shooting.
Next up for the Bulldogs is the fifth annual Fresno State Classic. FS will play Cal State Northridge in the tournament's first game Thursday at 6 p.m. Marshall takes on Southern Utah in Game No. 2 at 8 p.m.
