Fresno State Athletics
Women's Hoops Squares Off Against Nevada
2/25/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Feb. 25, 2005
Nevada Wolf Pack (7-18, 3-12 WAC) atFresno State Bulldogs (16-9, 7-8 WAC)
Date: Sat., Feb. 26
Time: 5 p.m. (first game of doubleheader with men's team)
Site: Fresno, Calif.
Facility (capacity): Save Mart Center (16,116)
Series History: Fresno State leads 19-6
Last Meeting: Fresno State 75, Nevada 67 (Feb. 23, 2004)
Radio: ESPN Radio 1430 AM- live
(Play-by-play: Paul Swearengin, Color Analyst: Chantea Fleming)
TV: Comcast Cable (ch. 14)- live
(Play-by-play: Rob Emler, Color Analyst: Steve Weakland)
Tip-Off
Fresno State (16-9, 7-8 WAC) is coming off a 57-36 win over Utah Valley State earlier this week as it continues its four-game homestand on Saturday against Nevada (7-18, 3-12 WAC). The Bulldogs can even their conference record with a victory over the Wolf Pack and sweep the season series. Fresno State currently stands in fifth place in the WAC.
Media Memo
Saturday's game against Nevada can be heard live on ESPN Radio 1430 AM and on Fresno State's official athletics website, www.gobulldogs.com. The game can also be seen live on Comcast Cable (ch. 14).
Scouting Nevada
Nevada (7-18, 3-12), which currently stands in last place in the WAC, is Fresno State's second opponent this weekend. The Wolf Pack has struggled this year and was swept last week in games at Rice and Tulsa following a two-game winning streak. Nevada's three conference wins have come against SMU, Boise State and UTEP. The Wolf Pack finished 3-26 overall last year so they have already improved on that mark. Nevada is averaging 60.8 ppg and allowing 69.2. The team is shooting 38.8-percent from the field, while the strength of the club is free throw shooting (71.2-percent). Players to watch include: Meghan McGuire (13.4 ppg, 40.9-percent shooting, 24 three-pointers), Talisha Anderson (10.0 ppg, 52 assists, 29 three-pointers) and Amber Young (5.3 ppg, 7.3 rpg). Head coach Kim Gervasoni is in her second season.
Fresno State All-Time vs. Nevada
Fresno State holds an 19-6 all-time series, mainly thanks to a 10-game winning streak that spanned from 1979-1989. Since then, neither team has won more than two straight. Both schools won on their home courts last year, with Nevada claiming a 71-53 win and Fresno State returning the favor with a 63-44 decision at the Save Mart Center. The Bulldogs have won four of five overall, including a 75-67 win earlier this year in Reno.
`Dogs Secure First Winning Season Since 2002-03
Fresno State's 71-50 rout of Boise State on Feb. 12 gave the Bulldogs 15 victories, guaranteeing the Bulldogs will finish the 2004-05 season with a winning record. Fresno State's most recent winning season came in 2002-03 when the team finished 21-13. Six regular season games (five in conference play) remain on the schedule before the WAC Tournament in March.
Quick Glance At The Postseason
There are two weeks remaining in the WAC regular season and Fresno State has three conference games left to play. A spot among the conference's top-six remains the goal at this point, as it would mean avoiding the play-in round of the WAC Tournament.
February Is Finally Here
Since a three-game losing streak last month, Fresno State has now won five of its last eight overall. February has always been a welcomed month for the Bulldogs, who always look to establish the best possible position for WAC Tournament play. Fresno State is a combined 22-11 in the final two months of the season since the start of the 2002-03 campaign.
Press Wreaking Havoc For Opponents
A swarming, quick pressure defense has yielded favorable results for Fresno State. The Bulldogs are forcing 20 turnovers per game, with most of those coming as a result of timely steals. A perfect example of Fresno State's defensive pressure occurred against Utah Valley State, with the Wolverines making 31 turnovers. In addition, the Bulldogs racked up a season-best 21 steals in that contest. Utah Valley State's 36 points was the lowest total Fresno State had allowed to an opponent throughout the year.
Lane Looking At A Record?
Senior Aritta Lane is currently 115-213 from the field, translating into a shooting percentage of 54-percent. Kellie Murphy is Fresno State's record holder for field goal percentage in a single season, setting the standard at 58.7-percent during the 1984-85 campaign. Lane ranks second in the conference in that category, behind Amber Jackson of San Jose State (68.3-percent).
Winning The Rebound Battle
Fresno State has outrebounded its opponents by an average of 40.8 to 34.6 per game, a margin of +6.2 that currently leads the WAC. The Bulldogs have outrebounded their opponents 18 times this year and are 12-6 in such situations. Fresno State has tallied at least 40 rebounds on 15 different occasions and recorded a season-best 55 against San Diego on Dec. 5. Four players are averaging at least four boards: Amy Parrish at 6.8, Aritta Lane at 6.0, Mirenda Swearengin at 4.8 and Jasmine Plummer at 4.7 per game.
