Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Fresno Pacific (Exhibition)
Men's Basketball Cruises Past Fresno Pacific
11/6/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 6, 2007
FRESNO, Calif. - In their final exhibition game, the Fresno State men's basketball team jumped out to an early first half lead against Fresno Pacific and cruised to an 87-68 victory on Tuesday night at the Save Mart Center.
The Bulldogs didn't waste any time setting the tone early Tuesday night, connecting on 11 3-pointers in the first half, en route to 18 3-pointers made in the game. Fresno State shot 64.3 percent (18-28) from beyond the arc. The Bulldogs carried a 48-30 lead into the break and got to see their young players get extended minutes in the second half.
Fresno State ends the exhibition schedule with two victories at home, and will now focus on the regular season, which begins Friday night at the Save Mart Center.
The World Vision Classic presented by Pape opens the 2007-08 season for the Bulldogs, the second straight year they begin at home with a three-game tournament. Fresno State will face Portland on Friday night at 8 p.m., while Liberty and San Diego State tip off the tournament at 5:30 p.m.
Last season the Bulldogs won their first seven games of the season, including winning their own tournament, which led to votes in the national polls. This season the Bulldogs have earned votes in one of the national polls and are looking for a strong start Friday night.
"The real season starts Friday night," Senior Kevin Bell said. "This is the time for the fans to come out and get excited for the upcoming season. I know the team is real excited."
Bell once again set the pace for the Bulldogs Tuesday night. The senior point guard dished out 10 assists and scored 12 points, while helping keep a balanced scoring attack. Fresno State had five players score in double for the second straight game.
Leading the way offensively was senior guard Eddie Miller, who scored 25 points, and was 7 for 9 from 3-point range. Bryan Harvey had 12 points off the bench, coming on four 3-pointers.
"It felt good to get in rhythm on our home court. There is always that comfort level when you are playing at home," Miller said. "We got hot in the first half and everyone was getting involved."
Hector Hernandez added 10 points and five rebounds and was 3 for 3 from long distance. Dwight O'Neil scored 13 points for the second straight game and made three 3-pointers. Alex Blair started for the second straight game and grabbed a team-high nine rebounds and added five points.
The Bulldogs shot 56.4 percent from the field and held Fresno Pacific to 37.1 percent shooting. Fresno State also opened up its biggest lead of the game at 33 points with just over nine minutes left to play.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" -The Fresno State men's and women's basketball teams host a doubleheader of exhibition games at the Save Mart Center against Fresno Pacific on Tuesday, November 6. The women tip off at 6 pm, and the men's game starts after the women's game at 8:30 pm. Men's and women's basketball tickets are on sale now. 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.
