Fresno State Athletics
Women's Basketball Begins Conference Play With Two at Home
12/26/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 24, 2001
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What's Coming Up
Fresno State enters conference play with a 5-5 record and trying to snap a three-game losing streak. This week, the Bulldogs host SMU (5-5) on Friday at 7 p.m. and 11th-ranked Louisiana Tech (5-3) on Sunday at 4 p.m.
What Just Happened
The Bulldogs dropped a heartbreaker Friday, losing in overtime to Saint Mary's 68-66. Fresno State needed an amazing shooting display from Veronica Mack just to force the extra period. Mack scored the team's last 12 points, on all three-pointers in the final three minutes of the game, including a rainbow 21-footer as the buzzer sounded to tie the game 60-60. But FS failed to score in the last 3:28 of overtime and fell by two.
Fresno State in WAC Openers
The Bulldogs are 1-2 in conference openers under head coach Britt King and 17-11 all-time. Fresno State last won its WAC opener during the 1998-99 season, when it defeated San Jose State 76-48.
Bulldogs vs. Ranked Teams
When No. 11 Louisiana Tech plays Fresno State on Sunday, it will mark the first time the Bulldogs have played a ranked team since Nov. 24, 1995. Coincidentally, FS played the top-ranked Lady Techsters on that day and lost 77-59 in the Coors Classic in Boulder, Colo. Louisiana Tech will also be the highest ranked team ever to play in the North Gym.
Bulldogs On the Internet
The broadcast of every Fresno State home game is available on the official website of Bulldog athletics, gobulldogs.com. Friday's game against SMU will be a simulcast while Sunday's matchup with Louisiana Tech will be broadcast by KFSR (90.7 FM).
Scouting the Mustangs
Picked to finish third in the WAC preseason coaches poll, SMU enters this week with a 5-5 record after splitting its two games in the Torneo de Cancun Classic last week. The Mustangs, who last year snapped their string of three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, are paced by sophomore guard Andrea Cossey, a preseason second-team All-WAC pick who is averaging 12.3 points per game. Another preseason second-team selection, junior forward Kaci Alexander, has also been solid, averaging 11.8 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. SMU is coached by Rhonda Rompola, who has a 199-109 record in her 10 years at SMU.
Fresno State All-Time vs. SMU
The Bulldogs are 1-6 all-time against the Mustangs. The two teams met three times last year, with SMU winning two of the three, including the final matchup at the WAC Tournament. However, Fresno State's lone victory over the Mustangs was last year's 70-68 thriller in the North Gym, in which Lindsay Logan scored 32 points, including a game-winning layup in the waning seconds of the contest.
SMU Recent Action
The Mustangs played in the Torneo de Cancun Classic in Cancun, Mexico, last week, losing to Alabama 85-69 before taking out Eastern Michigan in the consolation game 83-65. Against the Crimson Tide, Andrea Cossey made six three pointers and scored 20 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome 22 turnovers and 39 percent shooting. The following day, Shonte Roberts netted 23 in the Mustangs' victory over Eastern Michigan. SMU found itself down 38-32 at intermission to the Eagles only to outscore EMU 51-27 in the second half.
Scouting the Lady Techsters
One of the most nationally prominent women's basketball programs, Louisiana Tech enters the week with a No. 11 national ranking and a 5-3 record. The Lady Techsters losses have come to top-ranked Connecticut (74-50), No. 2 Tennessee (90-75) and No. 12 Duke (76-64). Louisiana Tech is led by preseason WAC Player of the Year Ayana Walker. The senior center leads the team with 14.4 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. The Lady Techsters also receive a contribution from Amber Obaze, a senior forward averaging 12.5 points per contest. Louisiana Tech is coached by Leon Barmore, who is 557-85 in his 19 years in Ruston, La.
Fresno State All-Time vs. Louisiana Tech
The Lady Techsters won the only game ever played between the two teams. That came Nov. 24, 1995, when top-ranked Louisiana Tech defeated the Bulldogs 77-59 at the Coors Classic in Boulder, Colo.
Louisiana Tech Recent Action
Louisiana Tech won both of its games easily last week, handling Western Kentucky 78-47 before taking out Arkansas State 78-47. Against WKU, the Lady Techsters held the Hilltoppers to just 23 percent shooting while Ayana Walker scored 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. The following day against ASU, Walker nailed down another double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Louisiana Tech received double figure nights from five different players in winning its fifth in a row.
Five Alive
Although Fresno State has lost the past three games, it is still off to one of the best starts in years. The Bulldogs have already picked up five wins this year. Compared with when the team picked up its fifth win in seasons past, this year's start looks even better. Here is a yearly comparison on when Fresno State's fifth win came:
Udeze Taking Control
Date of Games Needed Final/CurrentYear Fifth Win to Win Five Opponent Record--------------------------------------------------------------------------1997-98 Dec. 20, 1997 10 Pacific 12-16--------------------------------------------------------------------------1998-99 Jan. 4, 1999 13 Cal Poly 9-19--------------------------------------------------------------------------1999-00 Dec. 20, 1999 9 Bradley 11-18--------------------------------------------------------------------------2000-01 Jan. 7, 2001 14 UTEP 10-19--------------------------------------------------------------------------2001-02 Dec. 8, 2001 7 at No. Arizona 5-5
Although the Bulldogs have suffered three losses in a row, there have been positives that came out of the games, most notably the continued solid performance of Omelogo Udeze. The junior forward had a big game against Saint Mary's, leading the Bulldogs with a 20-point, nine-rebound performance in an overtime loss. The preseason second-team All-WAC pick has two double-doubles this year and is averaging 13.7 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. She is moving up the Bulldog record books in many categories, including field goal percentage, rebound average and blocked shots.
Streaking
For good and for bad, Fresno State has proven to be a streaky team so far in 2001-02. FS put together a solid performance in an overtime loss to Saint Mary's on Friday, but have failed to do so in other games this year. Here are examples of the streaks of this year's Bulldogs:
CALIFORNIA (Lost 62-55)First Half: Scored just 15 points, trailed by 15 at halfSecond Half: Shot 45 percent, scored 40 points, took lead at one point--------------------------------------------------------------------------BRADLEY (Lost 80-62)First Half: Shot 46 percent, trailed just 41-37 at halfSecond Half: Made just four of first 17 shots to start half--------------------------------------------------------------------------CAL STATE FULLERTON (Won 75-65)First Half: Scored 46 points, shot 60 percentSecond Half: Scored 29 points, shot 29 percent--------------------------------------------------------------------------NORTHERN ARIZONA (Won 73-68)First Half: Shot just 34 percent, trailed by four at halfSecond Half: Made 10 of first 11 shots, including all four threes--------------------------------------------------------------------------SAN FRANCISCO (Lost 69-67)First Half: Shot just 32 percent, trailed by 13 at halfSecond Half: Scored 40 points and nearly pulled off a comeback win--------------------------------------------------------------------------SANTA CLARA (Lost 75-65)First Half: Only 9-of-36 (.250) from the floor, scored 23 pointsSecond Half: Shot 54 percent and scored 42 points--------------------------------------------------------------------------Good Things Coming in Threes
Fresno State jumped out to a 3-0 start to this season, its best start since the 1996-97 season. In fact, the Bulldogs' three-game winning streak was only the team's fifth since the 96-97 season. FS has not won four in a row since 1994-95. Fresno State fell in its effort for a second three-game winning streak Dec. 12 at San Francisco. The Bulldogs haven't had two three game winning streaks in a season since that 1996-97 year.
Using the Bench
Head coach Britt King has had the advantage of a deep bench this year. She has used at least 10 players in every game this season, including 14 in the season opener against Delaware State, most used in a Fresno State contest since King took over prior to the 1998-99 year. The reserves have averaged 23.2 points per game this season.
Driving the Lane
Freshman Aritta Lane has been superb for Fresno State through the first nine games, but never more so than Dec. 12, when she pulled in 18 rebounds at San Francisco, just two shy of the FS single-game record of 20. Lane is averaging a WAC-best 9.8 rebounds per game and has posted three double-doubles so far this year. The Aiea, Hawaii, native is looking to become the sixth consecutive Bulldog to lead the conference in rebounding at year's end.
Another Strong Class
For the third consecutive season, head coach Britt King has corraled a strong recruiting class. This year's group of newcomers was rated 53rd best in the nation by Women's Basketball Journal. All told, the Bulldogs signed eight players to national letters of intent. Cophie Moore (Arlington, Texas), a 5-foot 10-inch guard/forward, Joanna Barnes (Washington, D.C.), a 5-foot 10-inch two-guard, Aritta Lane (Alea, Hawaii), a 6-foot forward, Lisa Copeland (Orchard Lake, Mich.), a 5-foot 10-inch guard/forward, Veronica Mack (Phoenix, Ariz.), a 5-foot 6-inch guard, Barbara Johnson (Bakersfield, Calif.), a 6-foot 2-inch center, Kim Holston (Washington, D.C.), a 5-foot 5-inch guard, and Lauren Stayton (Inglewood, Calif.), a 5-foot 9-inch guard, all signed to play for the Bulldogs this year. This marks the first season since head coach Britt King took over in 1998 the Bulldogs have been comprised solely of players recruited by the current FS coaching staff.
Stifling Defense
Fresno State has tightened the clamps on its opponents so far this season. The Bulldogs are allowing the opposition to hit on only 40 percent of their field goal attempts, and only three opponents have eclipsed the 40 percent plateau in a game. The FS defense has also extended beyond the arc, allowing the opposition to hit only 28 percent of its three-point attempts, the best mark in the WAC.
Six in a Row?
One of the more amazing feats accomplished by any program in the WAC is Fresno State's stranglehold on the conference rebounding title. Last year, Omelogo Udeze's 9.7 average made her the fifth consecutive Bulldog to finish atop the WAC rebounding list. She joined past Bulldogs Janee Young (1996-97, '97-98) and Tiffany Lewis (1998-99, '99-00) in the record books. The only other WAC team to finish first in a statistical category five years in a row was Colorado State, which placed players atop the field goals attempted list from 1992-98. Currently, Aritta Lane leads the conference with a 9.8 average, including an 18-rebound performance Dec. 12 against San Francisco.
Junior Experience
Unlike last year's team, this season's squad is heavier on upperclassmen. While the 2000-01 edition had no juniors and only one senior, this year's squad breakdown will feature five juniors, all of whom are expected to see significant playing time. Included in those juniors are all three of the Bulldogs' all-conference selections last year - Lindsay Logan, Omelogo Udeze and Tiffany Simon. Of the juniors, all start except Channan High, who offers the team quality minutes off the bench.
The Magic Number
Fresno State's magic number of 65 hasn't been so magical lately. Amazingly, for the first time in program history, the Bulldogs scored 65 points or more in three consecutive games and lost each. Nonetheless, all five Fresno State victories this year have come when the team scored 65 points or more. In addition, since the 1999-00 season, the Bulldogs are 22-12 when scoring 65 points or more and 4-31 when they do not.
The Conference Ledger
The addition of perennial national power Louisiana Tech to the WAC will make for a demanding conference schedule. The Bulldogs and Lady Techsters will match up in the North Gym on Sunday, the season's second conference game. Fresno State will have the opportunity to jump out to a good start in the WAC standings by playing five of its first seven conference games in the North Gym. However, the end of the season will be challenging, with road games at Louisiana Tech and SMU followed by the WAC tournament. This marks the fourth time in the last five season the Bulldogs have wrapped up the regular season on the road.
Board Games
Last year, outrebounding the other team was a boon for the Bulldogs. They were 7-5 in 2000-01 when grabbing more boards than the opposition and only 3-14 when they did not. But this year, its been just the opposite. Fresno State is only 2-3 when outrebounding its opponent this year, compared to 3-2 when they do not. The point was in perfect illustration Dec. 12 at San Francisco, when the Bulldogs pulled in a season-high 51 rebounds against the Dons but were defeated 69-67.
Garcia Doing it All
The loss of Laura Garcia was a damaging one for Fresno State last year. But the junior guard has returned to the lineup this year with a vengeance and has added a bit of everything to the Bulldogs. Garcia has started all 10 games and has averaged 5.1 points, 2.2 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game. In the last six games, she's been a demon on the glass, totaling 30 rebounds, including a career-high eight against Bradley on Dec. 1. Garcia's importance to Fresno State was evident last year when she injured her knee in the third conference game of the season and missed the rest of the year. FS went 5-9 the rest of the way.
Terrific Trio
Fresno State's dynamic trio of Lindsay Logan (16.9 ppg), Omelogo Udeze (13.8 ppg) and Tiffany Simon (12.8 ppg) was the most prolific in the WAC last year. Each averaged more than 12 points per game, making them the only threesome in the conference who could boast that accomplishment. Fresno State was also the only WAC team with three players ranked in the top 12 in scoring average. In addition, Udeze finished tops in field goal percentage (.533) and rebounds (9.7 per game) while Logan led the conference in several statistical categories, including assists (5.7 per game), three-pointers per game (3.1) and double-digit scoring games (27).
So Good, It's Scary
Despite being in the crosshairs of opposing defenses the entire season, first-team All-WAC selection Lindsay Logan posted eye-popping numbers last year in becoming the first Bulldog named to the All-WAC first team since the 1994-95 season. Her fantastic 2000-01 season saw her finish first in assists, double-digit scoring games and three-pointers per game, third in scoring and ninth in steals. Logan was one of three sophomores to be selected to the All-WAC first team. This year, she is leading the conference in scoring with a 17.3 average.
Bombs Away
In her freshman season, Lindsay Logan proved she was capable of hitting the three-pointer. However, last year Logan took her three-point shooting to another stratosphere. The sophomore attempted 271, eclipsing the record she tied in 1999-00 by 92. Logan drained 3.1 three-pointers per game, tops in the WAC and tied for fifth in the nation. She has made at least one three-pointer in 37 of the last 38 games and in 60 of 67 games in her career. This year, her 26 three-pointers made ranks first in the WAC.
It's Raining Threes
The Bulldogs have made at least one three-pointer in each game this year, meaning they have now made a three in 68 consecutive games. The last time FS did not make a three in a game was March 1, 1999, a 78-48 loss to the Owls in the WAC tournament in Las Vegas. In addition, guard Lindsay Logan has made at least one three in each game but one since the beginning of the 2000-01 season.
Simon's Tenacious D
There's more to playing basketball than scoring, and nobody proves that point more than guard Tiffany Simon. Although she is only averaging 5.2 points per game in 2001-02, the junior has been one of the team's most important players due to her suffocating defense. She has guarded the team's top perimeter player in each of Fresno State's three games and has been a key component in holding FS's opponents to a .399 field goal percentage this year. Simon was a WAC All-Defensive pick last year.
Mack the Knife
Although just a freshman, Veronica Mack has already shown herself to be one of the WAC's best from three-point territory. Never was this more evident than in her display at the end of regulation against Saint Mary's on Friday. Mack turned SMC's McKeon Pavilion into her personal playground, sinking four three-pointers in the final three minutes, the last of which came as the buzzer sounded and forced overtime. When the dust cleared, Mack had scored Fresno State's last 12 points. On the season, the Phoenix, Ariz., native is fourth on the team with a 6.1 scoring average although she is averaging just 18.0 minutes per game. Mack has come off the bench in nine of FS's 10 games.
Close, But...
Fresno State had plenty of experience tasting narrow defeats the past two seasons. Unfortunately, that is a trend that has continued in 2001-02. Of the Bulldogs five losses this year, they have a second half lead in three of them. Following is a breakdown of Fresno State's heartbreaking losses this year:
Date Opponent Time Left Lead Final Score--------------------------------------------------------------------------Nov. 28 at California 8:42 FS 42-41 Cal 62-55--------------------------------------------------------------------------Dec. 1 at Bradley 19:20 BU 42-39 BU 80-62--------------------------------------------------------------------------Dec. 12 at San Francisco :17 Tied 67-67 USF 69-67--------------------------------------------------------------------------Dec. 21 at Saint Mary's 2:10 (ot) FS 67-66 SMC 69-67 (ot)Overtime Woes
Extra periods have not been kind to Fresno State in recent years. The Bulldogs have lost their last four overtime games, including Friday's 69-67 defeat at the hands of Saint Mary's. The 1999-00 season alone saw FS drop three overtime decisions. Since the 1994-95 season, the Bulldogs are just 1-9 in games involving overtime. The lone win came Dec. 17, 1998, when it took out San Diego 80-67.
Bulldogs by the Notes
- Lindsay Logan has been Fresno State's leading scorer in five games this year. She currently leads the WAC in scoring average at 17.3.
- Logan missed the Dec. 15 game against Santa Clara with a stomach flu. It marked the first game in her Fresno State career she has not played.
- Logan has made a three-pointer in 37 of the last 38 games and in 60 of 67 career contests.
- Aritta Lane has three double-doubles this year and has double-digit rebounding games four times, including an 18-rebound performance at San Francisco, just two shy of FS's all-time mark.
- Lane leads the conference with a 9.8 rebound average.
- Omelogo Udeze has posted two double-doubles and has been the team's leading scorer in the last three games.
- Udeze has scored in double figures in eight of Fresno State's 10 games.
- Tiffany Simon has started 17 games in a row, the longest streak on the team.
- Simon had a season-high 18 points against San Francisco on Dec. 12.
- Simon and Laura Garcia are the only two Bulldogs to have started every game this year.
- Veronica Mack has scored in double figures in the last three games. She helped force overtime against Saint Mary's when she scored Fresno State's last 12 points, including a three-pointer as the buzzer sounded that tied the game 60-60.
- Kim Holston is 7-of-8 from beyond the arc this year.
- The Bulldogs have shot less than 40 percent in the last three games, all losses.
- It took FS only seven games to win its fifth game this year. Last year, the Bulldogs needed 14 games to win five.
- Fresno State has made a three-pointer in all three of its game in 2001-02, running its consecutive three-pointer streak to 68.
- The Bulldogs are 19-14 in the North Gym since the 1999-00 season.
- FS has won five non-conference games for the second time in three years.
- Britt King has used at least 10 players in every game this year, including 14 in the season opener against Delaware State.
- Fresno State's 2001-02 roster features eight freshmen, two sophomores and five juniors.
- The Bulldogs are 3-3 when committing less turnovers than their opponents.
- Fresno State is 3-12 against teams from the West Coast Conference since 1997-98.
- Only six of the Bulldogs' 15 players are from California.
- Fresno State is 1-9 in overtime games since the 1994-95 season.
- Saint Mary's shot .492 against Fresno State, the highest shooting percentage any opponent has had against the Bulldogs this year.
- The fewest points the Bulldogs have scored in a victory was 71.
- FS has used a different starting lineup the past three games.
- Fresno State is 4-0 when leading at halftime and 1-5 when trailing.
- The Bulldogs' last five games have all been decided by 10 points or less.
- FS's 29 rebounds against Saint Mary's was its fewest in a game since recording just 28 against Hawai'i on Feb. 5, 2000.
- Four of Fresno State's 2001-02 opponents - Louisiana Tech, Bradley, Santa Clara and Hawai'i - were either ranked or received votes in the latest ESPN/USA Today coaches poll.
- The combined won-loss record of the five teams to have defeated Fresno State this year is 32-16.
- Five of the Bulldogs' first seven WAC games will be played in the North Gym.
- The 1,034 FS played in front of Friday at Saint Mary's was the largest crowd of the year.
