Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
19-8, 10-4
Louisiana Tech
18-11, 11-4
Fears Scores 14 Against La Tech
3/2/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
March 2, 2009
FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State women's basketball team battled a rejuvenated Louisiana Tech team and lost 80-62 on Monday evening at the Save Mart Center. The loss drops the Bulldogs to 19-8 and 10-4 in WAC while the Lady Techsters improved to 18-11 and 11-4 in conference.
The Bulldogs are a half-game out of first place in the WAC and must win their final two games in order to win at least a share of the conference championship.
"La Tech deserved credit for a well-played game," Fresno State coach Adrian Wiggins said. "They played hard and deserved the right to walk out of here with a win tonight. Unfortunately, I do not feel like we played a good enough basketball game. We had a lot of mistakes, missed opportunities, defensive breakdowns and it is something that is not acceptable this time of year."
The Bulldogs shot 40 percent from the floor and hit 12 3-pointers while the Lady Techsters shot 44 percent and out rebounded the Bulldogs 43-35.
LaShay Fears led Fresno State with 14 points and six assists. Jaleesa Ross and Marnique Arnold each scored 10 points and grabbed seven rebounds.
The Bulldogs only lead of the game was at 9-6 seven minutes into the contest. Louisiana Tech then went on a 14-0 run to lead 20-9 with eight minutes remaining in the half. Fresno State got within five at 29-24 after a layup by Arnold with 1:59 left until halftime and trailed 33-27 at the break.
The Lady Techsters opened second period on a 12-3 run to lead 45-30 less than four minutes into the period. Fresno State came within five at 54-49 after another layup by Arnold with 10:15 left in the game.
Fresno State got no closer as Louisiana Tech built a double digit lead and led 73-57 with 2:21 to play.
The Bulldogs close out the 2008-09 home season on Wednesday at 7 p.m. against New Mexico State. It will be the final home game for seniors Bailey Amundsen, LaToya Brown and LaShaunte Stephens.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The `Dogs host New Mexico State in the final home game of the season Wednesday night at 7 pm in the Save Mart Center. All tickets are buy-one-get-one FREE! Tickets are on sale now through the Save Mart Center box office, by calling (559) 485-TIXS or online at ticketmaster.com.
