Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
San Diego State
Bell Scores 25 Against San Diego State
11/11/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 11, 2007
FRESNO, Calif. - Kevin Bell tied a career high of 25 points but it wasn't enough as the Fresno State men's basketball team lost 89-72 to San Diego State on Sunday in the final day of the World Vision Classic presented by Pape'. Fresno State went 2-1 in the three-day tournament while the Aztecs won all three games.
"We played a really good San Diego State team tonight," Fresno State coach Steve Cleveland said. "They can beat you in a lot of different ways. It is difficult to come back from a 20-point deficit. We made some runs but never finished it off."
Bell and Dwight O'Neil were both named to the All-Tournament team. Bell scored his 25 points on 11 of 16 shooting from the field while O'Neil had 15 points on five of 11 shooting. Bryan Harvey had 13 points and Eddie Miller added 11.
"Kevin did some really good things tonight," Cleveland said. "His shots tonight, even his three's, weren't forced."
The Bulldogs shot 47 percent from the field but San Diego State shot 55 percent and hit on nine of 15 3-pointers.
San Diego State led from the opening tip and jumped out to a 25-8 lead nine minutes into the game. The Bulldogs went on a run to come within 10 at 27-17 following a 3-pointer by O'Neil with 8:14 to play in half. Another basket by O'Neil less than a minute later brought the Bulldogs within eight points at 27-19.
San Diego State then extended its lead to 38-21 and led 48-33 at halftime. Fresno State got no closer than 12 points in the second half.
"When our energy picked up we were able to compete with them," Cleveland said. "Everyone is getting better collectively and individually."
The Dogs return to the floor on Saturday, November 17, when they play at Cal-State Bakersfield. Fresno State returns home on November 21 for a 7 p.m. tip off against Montana State.
San Diego State finished with six guys in double figures, led by Ryan Amoroso's 19 points.
Steve Fisher
This was a good victory for San Diego State. Lorenzo did a great job guarding Miller and making him step back. Tim has done a terrific job for us. He has a maturity level that most freshmen don't have.
Lorenzo Wade
We prepare the way we play. For us to all come together as a team is really something.
Kevin Bell
Our team can play a lot better. We have a lot of new guys and alot of places to get better. We'll grow from this one.
Dwight O'Neil
This is a wake up call for us, to let us know where we stand and that we need to get better, a lot better.
2007 World Vision Classic Presented by Pape' All-Tournament Team
Kevin Bell, Fresno State
Dwight O'Neil, Fresno State
Lorenzo Wade, San Diego State
Luke Sikma, Portland
Alex McLean, Liberty
MVP
Kyle Spain, San Diego State
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The Fresno State men's basketball team travels to take on Cal-State Bakersfield on Saturday, November 17 at 7 p.m. The next home game is Wednesday, November 21 against Montana State at 7 p.m. Season and group tickets, along with mini plan packages, can be purchased online at gobulldogs.com, by phone at 559-278-DOGS, or in person at the Bulldog Ticket Office. Single game tickets can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com, by phone at (559)485-TIXS or at the Save Mart Center box office.
