Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Long Beach State
Wilson Career High Lifts Bulldogs to Win
12/7/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 7, 2007
Long Beach, Calif.- - Tierre Wilson picked the perfect day to have a career night. The Bulldog senior scored a career high 28 points on 10 of 18 shooting from the field to rally Fresno State to a 66-55 victory on Friday. The win is also Fresno State coach Adrian Wiggins 50th win as a Fresno State coach.
The Bulldogs trailed by 11 points at halftime but outscored Long Beach State 46-24 in the second half to earn the win. Fresno State also got a season high 11 points from Erica Henry while LaShaunte Stephens chipped in 10 points off the bench. Fresno State outrebounded the 49ers 47-30.
"The girls really played together and didn't quit tonight," Wiggins said. "We got better as the game went on and that is the first time we have done that this year."
The win gives Fresno State a 1-6 record while Long Beach State fell to 1-6.
Jaleesa Ross led the Bulldogs in rebounding with 10 while Wilson had seven boards, Henry six and Stephens and Hayley Munro each had five.
"I am really happy for the players," Wiggins said. "It is a great feeling anytime you win. We'll take it right now. We are going to keep getting after it and get ready for conference."
Long Beach State opened the second half by taking a 35-22 lead at the 18:36 mark. Fresno State then went on a 20-4 run to take a 42-39 lead with 12:11 to play in the game after a layup by Wilson and back-to-back lay ups by Stephens.
The 49ers retook the lead at 45-42 but it didn't last long as the Dogs regained the lead for good at 47-45 following a three-point play by Munro with 6:52 to play. After two free throws by Wilson the Bulldogs led 53-48 with 2:39 to play.
"Tierre's play was great because she did it with hustle," Wiggins said. "She got the offensive rebounds, made the next pass to her teammates and went after loose balls."
Fresno State was able to seal its first win of the season by going nine-for-nine from the free throw line in the final two minutes of the game.
The Bulldogs return to the floor on Wednesday at 7 p.m. when they play West Coast Conference school Saint Mary's. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The Fresno State women's basketball team wraps up their three game road trip on Wednesday, December 12 against Saint Mary's at 7 p.m. The Bulldogs' next home game at the Save Mart Center is Saturday, December 15 against Cal State Bakersfield at 1 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com, by phone at (559)485-TIXS, or in person at the Save Mart Center box office.
