Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Saint Louis
Bulldogs Finish Las Vegas Classic
12/23/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Dec. 23, 2008
LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Sin City ended up as a rather unlucky destination for the Bulldogs as they dropped their final round tilt with Rick Majerus and his Saint Louis Billikens by a score of 56-52 on Tuesday afternoon in the final round of the Las Vegas Classic. The loss drops Fresno State to 6-7 on the season while Saint Louis improves to 7-5.
Junior forward Sylvestery Seay paced the Bulldogs with 18 points while connecting on 6 of 12 shots from the field. Senior guard Dwight O'Neil added nine points and seven rebounds.
"We put ourselves in a position to win the game," head coach Steve Cleveland said. "I felt that we made strides especially since (Brian Seals) didn't play and Bryce (Cartwright) was limited. We did get better at our zone today."
Senior guard Tommie Liddell III led the way for the Billikens with a game-high 19 points.
At the half, the `Dogs trailed by three, 25-22, while shooting 50 percent from the field and led by Seay's eight first-half points to go with three offensive rebounds and a defensive board.
"For Christmas, I just want a healthy team and for us to continue to grow," Cleveland added when asked on the KMJ post game radio show.
The game marked the fourth contest in six days for the Bulldogs.
O'Neil earned a spot on the Las Vegas Classic All-Tournament Team.
Fresno State will complete a three-game road trip when they travel to the California coast for a return game from last year's ESPNU BracketBusters with the Cal Poly Mustangs next Monday, Dec. 29 at 7 p.m.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The `Dogs continue road play as they battle Cal Poly on Monday, December 29th at 7 p.m. The `Dogs return to the Save Mart Center on Saturday, January 3 as they open WAC play against New Mexico State at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale now through the Save Mart Center box office, by calling (559) 485-TIXS or online at ticketmaster.com.
