Fresno State Athletics
Dogs Showcase Skills on Hoops Night
10/26/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Oct. 26, 2010
FRESNO, Calif. - The Save Mart Center was full of Bulldog spirit Tuesday evening as the men's and women's basketball teams showed off their talent for the 2010-11 season in the annual Red and White Hoops Night before hundreds of the Red Wave faithful, including TimeOut and the Ultimate Bulldog Fan Ambassador - GAMETIME.
The evening started with introductions of both teams. The first feature of the night was an inter-squad scrimmage by the defending Western Athletic Conference women's basketball team.
"It's a great chance to get the new players in the arena, to feel the atmosphere and get the nerves out," head women's basketball coach Adrian Wiggins said of the event.
The 3-point shot has quickly become a calling card of the Fresno State's women's team, and not surprisingly, it came into play in a big way Tuesday. Senior guard Jaleesa Ross, one of the best 3-point shooters in the nation, stepped outside and knocked down a late long-range jumper to help push the Red to a narrow 21-18 win over the White.
The men's team then took the floor and the newcomers shined. Junior Bennie Rhodes, who joined the Dogs as a transfer from San Francisco Community College, made a splash in his Bulldog debut with back-to-back dunks and hitting 3-pointers from all over the floor to lead the White team to a 30-12 victory over the Red team. The White team scored the first 19 points of the scrimmage.
"(These scrimmages) are fun," Rhodes said. "We got the crowd out and got to see some new faces out there. It was a great night, especially for the fans and kids."
Freshman Alex Furr, a 5-foot-8 guard from Athens, Texas, won the 3-point shooting contest with 18 points overall and Jonathan Wills followed with 17 points.
Although Furr is new to the Fresno State program, Furr's scoring prowess is well documented. She left Athens High School as one of the leading scorers in the history of Texas basketball with 3,169 points.
"It's definitely a confidence boost for her and much deserved," Wiggins added with a smile. "To have success on the floor, that's rewarding. She's not afraid to put it up, that's for sure."
Five Bulldogs competed in the dunk contest and Rhodes continued his flair for highlight reel dunks, including the best of the night when he landed a between the legs, one-handed slam.
The next chance to see both teams in action is Nov. 6 when both teams take on Fresno Pacific in an exhibition doubleheader. The women's game starts at 6 p.m. and will be followed by the men's contest.
"We Are Your Team!" - The first of eight Bulldog Basketball doubleheaders will tip off on Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. in the Save Mart Center. To secure your season tickets, please call The Bulldog Foundation at 559-278-7160 or visit http://www.bulldogfoundation.org.
