Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
11-5, 2-1
Idaho
6-9, 3-1
Amundsen Scores 18 Against Idaho
1/10/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Jan. 10, 2009
FRESNO, Calif. - A late rally by the Fresno State women's basketball team fell short as the University of Idaho beat Fresno State 55-52 on Saturday afternoon at the Save Mart Center. The loss dropped the Bulldogs to 11-5 and 2-1 in WAC play while Idaho improved to 6-9 and 3-1 in conference.
"Idaho played a good game tonight and you have to give them a lot of credit," Fresno State coach Adrian Wiggins said. "They played hard on the floor. They rebounded hard, were quick and they made it very difficult for us."
Bailey Amundsen led the Bulldogs with 18 points while going six-for-12 from the 3-point line. Hayley Munro had 14 points and seven rebounds while Jaleesa Ross had 10 points. Marnique Arnold led Fresno State in rebounding with nine.
Idaho shot 35 percent from the field while Fresno State shot 31 percent. The Bulldogs were out rebounded 44-41.
Idaho led the entire game but the Bulldogs got within three late in the game. Trailing 47-38 with five minutes to play, Munro scored the next five points to bring the Bulldogs within four at 47-43 with 2:19 to play.
After a jumper by Idaho's Alana Curtis with 1:38 to play, Ross hit a 3-pointer with 1:08 to play, cutting the Vandal lead to 49-46. With Idaho leading 52-46, Munro then hit a 3-pointer with 25 seconds remaining.
Idaho's Shaena Kuehu hit one of two free throws with 21 seconds left to up the score to 53-49. LaShay Fears hit a 3-pointer with seven seconds left, bringing the Bulldogs within one at 53-52 but Idaho star Yinka Olorunnife hit two free throws with four seconds left and the Bulldogs hope of sending the game into overtime fell short as they were unable to get a shot off in time.
"We handled the end of the game really well but the problem was the first 35 minutes," Wiggins said.
Fresno State hits the road for a three-game trip that begins next week at Louisiana Tech and New Mexico State. Tipoff for the Louisiana Tech game is at 5 p.m. on January 16.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The `Dogs travel to Louisiana to take on Louisiana Tech on Friday, January 16 at 5:00 pm. The `Dogs return home to the Save Mart Center on Friday, January 30 as they host San Jose State at 7:00 pm. It's American Heart Association Go Red for Women Weekend as Fresno State Athletics raises awareness of heart disease in women. Tickets are on sale now through the Save Mart Center box office, by calling (559) 485-TIXS or online at ticketmaster.com.
