Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Louisiana Tech (WAC Tournament)
Bulldogs Advance to Tournament Title Game
3/14/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
March 14, 2008
LAS CRUCES, NM - The Fresno State women's basketball team became the first team to beat Louisiana Tech three times in the same season as the Bulldogs defeated the Lady Techsters 85-58 in the semi-finals of the WAC tournament on Friday. The win ups the Bulldogs record to 21-10 and they will play in the WAC tournament championship for only the second time in school history on Saturday at 12 p.m. for an opportunity to go to the NCAA tournament.
The Bulldogs will play New Mexico State. The Aggies rallied to defeat Boise State 72-66 in the other semi-final game.
"We are very thrilled and proud of our team right now," Fresno State coach Adrian Wiggins said. "I felt like we had just a great team effort in regards to offense and sharing the basketball. I also felt like defensively that we really tried to block out the whole game. We did a good job on the boards and the numbers show it."
Saturday's game can be seen live on KFRE as well as nationally on CSTV. Bulldog fans can also listen to the game live on 790 ESPN Radio.
The three freshmen of Jaleesa Ross, Hayley Munro and Emma Andrews combined to score 56 of the teams 85 points. Ross led the way with 21 while Munro and Andrews tied a career high 19 and 16 points apiece. Marnique Arnold led the Dogs in rebounding with eight.
"My teammates are just finding me where I can score," Ross said.
Fresno State shot 47 percent from the floor and held Louisiana Tech to 34 percent shooting. The Dogs also out rebounded the Lady Techsters 46-38. The Bulldogs set a WAC Tournament game record for most 3-pointers made in a game with 13. The Dogs 33 attempts is a WAC Tournament game record.
"The 3-point shot is a very makeable shot and it is a momentum builder," Wiggins said. "Right now we are taking advantage of it and our players can really shoot it."
After trailing 4-0 in the opening minute of the game, Fresno State scored 11 straight points to lead 11-4 following a layup by Munro with 16:36 to play in the first half. The Dogs extended their lead to 22-10 four minutes later following a three-point play by Ross.
Louisiana Tech tied the game at 32 with 4:30 to play until the break but the Bulldogs then finished the half on a 12-4 run to lead 44-36 at the break.
Fresno State came out strong in the second half and quickly extended their lead to 19 at 57-38 five minutes in following a put back by Henry. The Bulldogs biggest lead was the final score of 85-58.
