Fresno State Athletics
Dogs Finish Holiday Trip at Oregon State
12/23/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Dec. 23, 2009
CORVALLIS, Ore. - The Fresno State men's basketball team finishes its holiday road trip with a contest in Corvallis, Ore., to play the Pacific-10's Oregon State, the defending CBI Champion. The games can be heard on KMJ Radio (580 AM) and viewed on Fox Sports Net (Northwest). The contests mark the fourth game in a seven-day span. This is the second straight season the Bulldogs have played both the Beavers.
GAME #13: Supplemental Notes (PDF) 
GAME #13: Fresno State (6-5) vs Oregon State (5-5)
Date: Wednesday, December 23, 2009 (Tip Off: 5:30 p.m. PT)
Site: Gill Coliseum (10,400); Corvallis, Oregon
Radio: KMJ 580 AM (Paul Loeffler/Randy Rosenbloom)
TV: Fox Sports Net - Northwest
Online: Bulldog All-Access on www.GoBulldogs.com
George Growing as Defender, Scorer and Team Leader
Sophomore Paul George is growing into his role as an astute defender, multi-dimensional scorer and leader-by-example. He is the Bulldogs' top scorer (17.6 ppg), rebounder (8.2 rpg), steals machine (2.9 spg), best free throw shooter (92.0%) and owns the most minutes played (33.6 mpg). In his 46-game Bulldog career, George (Palmdale, Calif.) has started every game and combines the ability to drive to the basket with a smooth 3-point stroke. George recorded back-to-back career-best six steal games against BYU and UC Davis. The sophomore is also known for his exciting high-flying and thunderous dunks.
Shepp Starring in Rookie Campaign
Sophomore Steven Shepp is showing his visionary style for running the Bulldog offense. As a transfer from Allegany College of Maryland, Shepp spent the first month of games sparking the team from the bench before earning his starting role in each of the Bulldogs' December games. Head Coach Steve Cleveland recruited Shepp for his passionate approach to the game, long-range 3-point threat and pass-first philosophy. As a Bulldog starter, Shepp is averaging 5.7 assists per game and holds a team-best 50.0 percent 3-point field goal percentage (11-22). He recorded a career-high nine assists versus NDSU (Dec. 21).
About the Beavers
The Oregon State Beavers, a member of the Pacific-10 Conference and defending CBI champion, is 5-5 on the season with key victories over Colorado (74-69), George Washington (64-57) and Mississippi Valley State (76-62). OSU has won four of their past six contests. Head Coach Craig Robinson, the brother-in-law of President Barack Obama, is 23-23 in his second season resurrecting the Oregon State program. The Beavers are led by Seth Tarver (13.5 ppg/5.1 rpg) and Calvin Haynes (9.9 ppg).
Against the Beavers
The overall series between Fresno State and Oregon State is tied at 8-8. The Bulldogs have won four of the past six games between the schools, with the last Fresno State victory coming in Corvallis in 2006 when Cleveland guided the Dogs to a 74-69 upset win. The long history between the schools dates back to 1924.
"We Are Your Team" - The `Dogs will be traveling north to face the Montana Grizzlies on Monday, December 21 at 6 p.m. (PST) before they head to Corvallis, Oregon on December 23 to challenge the Oregon State Beavers. Stay up-to-date with all of Fresno State Athletics at GoBulldogs.com.
