Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
UC Riverside
Andrews Free Throw Sinks UCR
12/29/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 29, 2007
Riverside, Calif. - Emma Andrews hit one free throw with 3.6 seconds left in the game to lift Fresno State to a 68-67 victory over UC Riverside on Saturday. The win ups the Bulldogs record to 4-8 while the defending Big West champion UC Riverside fell to 2-9.
"This was a great opportunity for us to play a good team," Fresno State coach Adrian Wiggins said. "They have the 14th toughest schedule in the country and for us to beat them is a great win for our program right now."
Hayley Munro led the Bulldogs in scoring with a career high 16 points on seven of 11 shooting from the field. Tierre Wilson scored 13 while Erica Henry had 10 points and 13 rebounds. Fresno State shot 44 percent from the field and out rebounded the Highlanders 40-31.
After leading 38-29 at halftime, UC Riverside rallied in the second half to take a 60-54 lead with 8:15 to play in the game. The Bulldogs came back to tie the game at 60 after two lay ups by Henry and one by Wilson.
"I thought we had a great first half but in the second half we let them dictate what they wanted to do," Wiggins said. "We made an adjustment late in the second half that worked out well for us."
UCR's Brittany Waddell later hit a 3-pointer to put Riverside on top 65-62 with 4:42 to play. With the score tied at 65 Wilson gave the Bulldogs a 67-65 lead on a layup with 2:13 on the clock. Seyram Gbewonyo then scored with 15 seconds to play tie the game at 67.
On the ensuing Bulldog possession, Andrews drove to the basket and was fouled in the act of shooting with 3.6 seconds to play by Waddell. Andrews first free throw bounced off the front of the rim but the freshman point guard then sank her second attempt to give Fresno State the one point lead.
UC Riverside was unable to get off a shot before the final horn sounded.
"We did a good job of tightening up at the end to come away with the win," Wiggins said.
Wilson and Henry were big for the Dogs in the final minutes of the game as they combined to score 12 of the teams final 16 points.
"The seniors showed great leadership," Wiggins said. "They fought real hard and didn't quit. That is exactly what we need."
The Bulldogs play at Cal-State Northridge on Sunday at 4 p.m. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. and the game can be heard live on 1430 ESPN Radio.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The Fresno State women's basketball team concludes their road trip at Cal State Northridge on Sunday, December 30 at 4 p.m. The Bulldogs return home to the Save Mart Center on Thursday, January 3 against Louisiana Tech for their WAC home opener. Tickets can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com, by phone at (559)485-TIXS, or in person at the Save Mart Center box office.
