Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
14-6, 5-1
San Jose State
2-17, 2-4
Ross Makes History As Bulldogs Roll
1/27/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Jan. 27, 2011
Fresno, CALIF. - History was made at the Save Mart Center on Thursday night, as senior guard Jaleesa Ross became the leading scorer in Fresno State women's basketball history.
Ross scored a game-high 18 points and was one of 10 players to find the scoring column in the Bulldogs' lopsided 65-33 win over San Jose State, but the convincing victory was overshadowed by one player's record-setting accomplishment.
All eyes were on Ross as she continued her march up the Fresno State scoring ladder. She needed just nine points to pass former Bulldogs forward Yvette Roberts and break the scoring record of 1,778 points Roberts set in 1989. It didn't take long for her to do so.
Indeed, Ross took just seven shots before surpassing the 22-year-old mark.
"It's an awesome feeling," said Ross, who now has 1,788 career points. "I'll get to really enjoy it once I'm done playing here."
Ross, a 5-foot-8 guard, inched closer to the record by knocking down back-to-back 3-pointers early in the first half. She then fielded a pass from senior guard Emma Andrews and tied Roberts' longstanding benchmark on a layup with 4:52 remaining in the first half.
The anticipation continued to build with every bucket.
"This could be the time," ESPN radio's Nick Papagni said during his live broadcast.
As if on cue, Ross cut down the baseline, received another pinpoint pass from Andrews and - with one quick motion - etched her name into the Fresno State history books.
As soon as the ball began dropping through the cylinder, the crowd of 2,764 fans erupted in applause. Senior forward Taja Edwards immediately ran over to her teammate of the past four years, enveloping Ross in a huge bear hug. The rest of the Bulldogs (14-6, 5-1 WAC) weren't far behind.
"It's exciting to be a part of this," Andrews said. "I think I was more excited than (Jaleesa) was. I definitely had my fists pumped in the air when that went in."
The Fresno State coaching staff even burned a timeout to recognize the occasion, which gave the Bulldogs a commanding 29-11 lead with 4:22 left in the half.
"I haven't been coaching for that long, so I haven't been at a place where someone has scored that many points," Fresno State coach Adrian Wiggins said. "(Jaleesa) is fun to coach. This is more of a treat. I really enjoyed this."
The celebration continued long after the game, as both Ross and Roberts posed for pictures and signed autographs for all who lingered. For her part, Roberts was as thrilled for Ross as anyone in attendance.
"I think I was the first one along with her parents clapping and cheering, like I'd done something," Roberts said, laughing. "Her record is going to stand much longer than mine. She'll probably break the boys' record."
Probably so.
Ross needs just 164 points to break former Fresno State forward Melvin Ely's nine-year-old scoring record of 1,951 points and become the Bulldogs' all-time leading scorer. What's more, she may even end her illustrious career as the first player in Fresno State history to score 2,000 points.
At the rate Ross is going, anything is possible.
"The best thing I could say is I wish she could be here four more years," Wiggins said with a smile. "That's a great compliment."
"We Are Your Team!" -- The Bulldogs will now turn their attention to the road for the next three games, beginning Saturday at Nevada. Fresno State will return to the Save Mart Center on February 10 to face Boise State. For more information, visit Gobulldogs.com.
