Fresno State
Nevada
Bulldogs Pound Wolf Pack, 87-77
1/23/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Box Score | Notes | Photo Gallery 
FRESNO, Calif. - You could see it in the Bulldogs' eyes: they wanted to win and they were set on doing it as a team.
"I've never been prouder of a group of young men," head coach Steve Cleveland said after he guided the Bulldogs to one of his most dynamic victories of his career. "This was a good win and great for the program. We have battled adversity over the past four and a half years and to see our guys come together like they did tonight is very special."
Fresno State pounded the ball into the post early and often as they powered to an 87-77 win over the Nevada Wolf Pack on a career-best night by Bulldog freshman Greg Smith and sophomore Brandon Sperling to lead five Bulldogs in double figures for the first time this season.
"If I were to give two game balls, it would have to be to Greg and Brandon," Cleveland said. "Greg played his heart out and Brandon gave us his best performance as a Bulldog. Mike Ladd also knocked down some key shots early to open up our offense. We played with a renewed purpose and guaranteed we did what we wanted to do."
Smith notched his fourth career double-double with game-highs in points (25) and rebounds (11), and added five assists (all career-highs).
Mike Ladd netted 14 points, and Brandon Sperling had 10 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for the Bulldogs (11-10, 4-3 Western Athletic Conference) for their seventh home victory in eight games.
"My teammates trusted me to play hard and found me down low," Smith said with one of his biggest smiles as a Bulldog in the post-game press conference. "Sperls had a great performance. I give him the game ball. He played his heart out."
Sperling started his 21st game of his Bulldog career, but his first at small forward.
"Brandon learned all the responsibilities of the 3-spot in 24 hours," Cleveland said. "I am very proud of his effort."
"My teammates allowed me to cut to the basket and I played within myself," Sperling reflected.
Luke Babbitt scored 29 points for Nevada (12-8, 4-3 WAC), including 10 in a row as the Wolf Pack trimmed a 17-point deficit to five with 3:43 remaining.
But Smith's three-point play put Fresno State ahead 78-70 with 3:20 left, and Nevada got no closer than seven the rest of the way.
"I love the crowd," Smith added. "The fan support here is wonderful and why I came to Fresno State. I want to compete for four years, graduate and win championships. We need to keep focusing on getting stops and defense."
The Bulldogs played without leading scorer Paul George, who sprained his right ankle in Thursday's loss against Utah State.
"Paul is like my brother and this game was for him," Smith said.
Fresno State shot 59.3 percent from the field (32-54), for the best shooting contest since a 78-61 victory at Boise State in 2004 when the Bulldogs converted 61.2 percent of their field goal attempts.
The Bulldogs also owned the paint with a 44-28 advantage over the Wolf Pack and dished out a season-high 26 assists.
Next up for Fresno State is a three-game road trip to Idaho (Jan. 28), Boise State (Jan. 30) and Hawai'i (Feb. 6). All three games will be broadcast on the Bulldogs Sports Network (KAIL).
"We Are Your Team" - The `Dogs will be traveling to Idaho to take on the Vandals on Thursday, January 28, at 7 p.m. before they head to Boise on January 30 to challenge the Boise State Broncos. Be sure to stay up-to-date with all of Fresno State Athletics at GoBulldogs.com. ogs.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/cleveland_steve00.html" >Steve Cleveland said.
