Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
North Dakota State
Dogs Handle North Dakota State, 82-69
12/18/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
FRESNO, Calif. --- With the game on the line in the closing minutes of the game, the Fresno State men's basketball team scored 15 unanswered points to seal a gritty 82-69 non-conference victory over North Dakota State on Saturday night in the Save Mart Center.
The result gave Fresno State (4-5) its third straight win and a pair of Bulldogs - senior Nedeljko Golubovic and freshman Bracken Funk - snap NDSU's four-game winning streak.
"We had effort and execution down the stretch," head coach Steve Cleveland said of his 220th career victory. "Ned and Bracken were a big part of the win. Their effort and attitudes give me absolute trust that they can get the job done. We were down in the second half in all three of these wins and found a way to win. We are getting better every day."
Golubovic notched season-highs with 16 points and 10 rebounds while Funk also provided his best outing of the year with 14 points, 10 rebounds, four steals and three blocks.
The Dogs started strong from the opening tip and bolted to a 48-38 advantage at halftime. Freshman Kevin Olekaibe scored 12 first-half points and Bennie Rhodes constantly attacked the off the bench. Rhodes finished with four rebounds, including three on the offensive end of the floor.
Tm Steed reached double-figures in scoring (14) to move Fresno State to 2-0 this year when four Bulldogs score 10 or more points.
Fresno State will continue its holiday homestand on Tuesday night against the Pacific Tigers.
POST GAME NOTES:
• With the 82-69 victory over NDSU, Fresno State won its third consecutive game. The stretch of victories is the most since Bulldogs won four straight last season from Dec. 28, 2009-Jan. 11, 2011, including the first three contests of WAC play.
• Senior Nedeljko Golubovic and freshman Bracken Funk each recorded their first career double-doubles. Golubovic scored 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds while Funk netted 14 points and also pulled down 10 rebounds.
• Steve Cleveland, Fresno State's sixth all-time winningest head men's basketball coach, earned his 220th career victory in his 14th season as a Division I head coach.
• Fresno State improved to 3-0 all-time against North Dakota State. The Bulldogs and Bison will meet in Fargo, N.D. next season.
• Fresno State improved to 4-5 on the season. NDSU fell to 7-4 as the Dogs ended the Bisons' four-game winning streak.
• Fresno State improved to 2-0 on the season when four Bulldogs score 10 or more points.
"We Are Your Team!" --- The Bulldogs are hosting a five-game homestand during the holiday season and return to the Save Mart Center's hardwood on Tuesday night with longtime rival Pacific coming to town. The home stretch when the Dogs start WAC action against San Jose State (Dec. 29) and Nevada (Jan. 3). Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com.
