Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
12-6, 3-2WAC
New Mexico State
6-12, 2-2WAC
Arnold Leads Bulldogs with 17 at NMSU
1/18/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Jan. 18, 2009
LAS CRUCES, N.M.- - The Fresno State women's basketball team rallied late but it wasn't enough as New Mexico State defeated the Bulldogs 80-74 on Sunday afternoon at the Pan American Center. Fresno State is now 12-6 and 3-2 in WAC while New Mexico State improved to 6-12 and 2-2.
"New Mexico State played well," Fresno State coach Adrian Wiggins. "We obviously struggled defensively. We just have to keep getting better."
Marnique Arnold led the Bulldogs with 17 points while Jaleesa Ross had 15, Ashley Walker 14 and LaShay Fears 10. Walker's 14 points was a new career high. The Bulldogs shot 43 percent from the floor while New Mexico State shot 47 percent.
Both teams had 38 rebounds and Joh-Teena Filipe led the Bulldogs with nine while Arnold and Hayley Munro each had five.
Fresno State trailed by 13 with 8:52 left in the game when they made a run to get within six at 68-62 following a free throw by Munro with 4:27 left in the game. New Mexico State extended its lead back to eight at 73-65 with 3:54 to play. The Bulldogs scored the next four points thanks to a jumper by Walker and two free throws by Arnold, making the score 73-69 with 1:49 remaining. But the Bulldogs would get no closer the rest of the way.
Both teams exchanged leads throughout the first half as there seven ties and 12 lead changes. New Mexico State's biggest lead was five at 11-6 four minutes into the game and 35-30 with four minutes remaining until the break.
Fresno State's biggest lead was three at 27-24 with 7:48 to play. Both teams went into halftime tied at 40.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The `Dogs travel to take on Hawai'i on Friday, January 23 at 9:00 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.
