Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
8-4
UNLV
7-5
Bulldogs Defense Stifles UNLV
1/2/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Jan. 2, 2009
LAS VEGAS, Nev. - The Fresno State women's basketball team had a goal of winning no-less than three of its final four games before the start of WAC play. On Friday, the Bulldogs accomplished their goal as they defeated UNLV 65-42 at the Cox Pavilion. The 42 points scored by UNLV was a season-low.
"It gives us a lot of confidence," Fresno State coach Adrian Wiggins said. "The players developed a lot of confidence reaching the goal and I know I did. To go into conference with this kind of momentum will be nice, however we know there are 16 tough games ahead of us. We have to be real mature how we approach them."
Fresno State is now 9-4 heading into WAC play on Monday while UNLV dropped to 7-6. The 9-4 mark heading into WAC is the third best start nonconference start since Fresno State has been a member of the WAC in 1992-93.
Fresno State never trailed in the game and it led by as many as 25 points. Marnique Arnold led the Bulldogs with 12 points while Bailey Amundsen had 11 and Jaleesa Ross 10.
As a team, Fresno State shot 37.5 percent and held UNLV to 31.5 shooting from the field. The Lady Rebels shot 18.5 percent (five-for-27) in the first half. "I was very pleased with our rotation and our defense tonight," Wiggins said.
The Bulldogs dominated the boards, out rebounding the Lady Rebels 52-35. The Bulldogs grabbed 20 offensive rebounds. Hayley Munro led the team with 10 rebounds while Jaleesa Ross had eight. Taja Edwards, Ashley Walker and Joh-Teena Filipe all had seven rebounds.
"We shot a lot of three's but what we got a lot of rebounds off those three's," Wiggins said. "Good things were happening. There were a lot of offensive rebounds and all five players gave a lot of effort."
The Bulldogs dominated the first half as they led 15-5 10 minutes into the game. During the opening 10 minutes the Bulldogs held UNLV scoreless for six minutes. The Lady Rebels then got within three at 15-12 with 8:21 left until halftime before Fresno State closed out the half on a 22-3 run to lead 37-15 at intermission.
In the second half, UNLV got no-closer than 20 points and the Bulldogs led by as 25 points.
"Everyone wanted to be in this game tonight," Wiggins said. "We played with great focus."
"Join the State - Fresno State"- Fresno State begins WAC play on Monday at the Save Mart Center when it plays host to Boise State at 7 p.m. It's Monday Madness and all tickets are buy-one-get-one FREE (of equal value). Tickets are on sale now through the Save Mart Center box office, by calling (559) 485-TIXS or online at ticketmaster.com.
