Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
6-3
Oklahoma
3-3
`Dogs Upset No. 23 Oklahoma
12/8/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 8, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State women's basketball team had a tall task in front of them Thursday night, but height or a national ranking were not an issue as the Bulldogs upset No. 23 Oklahoma 69-66 in front of an electric and energetic crowd at the Save Mart Center.
"Exciting win and a good win for our program," said head coach Adrian Wiggins. "Good effort defensively and they rotated well. We fixed problems well. They did a good job of sharing the ball and taking care of the ball."
The last win over a ranked opponent was against No. 22 TCU on Dec. 4, 2008. The `Dogs ran away with a 75-71 win over the Horned Frogs. Fresno State controlled the tempo for most of the game and came from behind late in the second half to earn its sixth victory of the year.
The Bulldogs (6-3, 0-0 WAC) were led by sophomore Ki-Ki Moore who scored 21 points and had 10 rebounds for her second double-double of the season. She also recorded a team-high six steals.
"She played a good game tonight and read the screens well," said Wiggins of Moore. "She made some great shots for us."
The `Dogs had 12 steals and forced the Sooners to turn the ball over 21 times. Fresno State scored 22 points off Oklahoma turnovers. The Bulldogs also outscored the Sooners 36-21 in the paint, even though OU had a height advantage.
"We're not tall, but our offense is predicated off getting to the rim and we got to the rim," said Wiggins. "Our posts did a great job defending. Veronica Wilson and Alex Sheedy played really physical tonight. They were constantly pushing and fighting for the ball, which was the type of game we wanted to play."
Senior Blakely Goldberg added 10 points for the Bulldogs, while freshman Alex Sheedy contributed 12 points and seven rebounds.
The Sooners took an early lead over the Bulldogs and started the game with a 9-2 run. Fresno State responded by scoring six unanswered points and trailed OU 9-8 at the first media timeout.
Moore sparked the Bulldogs offense by getting her own rebound and making her fifth layup of the night and the `Dogs trailed 17-16 with 12:26 left in the first half.
Freshman Madison Parrish kicked it out to Sheedy, who drained a 3-pointer giving the `Dogs their first lead of the night. The Sooners answered with a three and regained a one point lead with 11 minutes to play in the half.
Goldberg's first three of the night gave Fresno State the lead back. Junior Rosie Moult made another 3-pointer on the next possession and the `Dogs pulled ahead by five. Fresno State went on a 9-0 run giving the `Dogs an eight point lead with 8 minutes left in the half. Moult finished the game with nine points and four rebounds.
The Bulldogs headed to the locker room with a 2 point lead over the Sooners. Moore led the team with 12 first half points and five rebounds. Even with the Sooners height advantage, the Bulldogs were able to score 20 points in the paint in the first half.
Oklahoma regained the lead in the second half. Aaryn Ellenburg made 8-of-16 shots from beyond the arc. The Bulldogs trailed OU 49-46 with 13:17 left in the game.
Moult picked up her third steal of the game and made an easy layup that put the `Dogs within three of the Sooners with 8:49 left in the game. Moore followed with another steal and found Goldberg, who made a layup as the `Dogs trailed by one with seven minutes to play. Moore stole the ball again and was fouled. The sophomore made a free-throw tied the game.
With 6:05 left in the game, Moore got a defensive rebound, her sixth of the game, and drained a three to give the Bulldogs the lead. Her 3-pointer started a 9-0 run by Fresno State and the Bulldogs gained a five point lead over Oklahoma with under five minutes to play.
The `Dogs were able to use fouls at the end of the game to run the clock down beating Oklahoma 69-66.
"I have a lot of respect for their program and university," said Wiggins. "It's neat. People need to understand we have a good program out here and this win will help show that."
The Bulldogs head to CSU Northridge for a non-conference game on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m.
"We Are Your Team!" - The Bulldogs hit the road this weekend to face CSU Northridge on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. The `Dogs return home on Dec. 15 hosting CSU Bakersfield in the Save Mart Center. For more information on tickets call 278-DOGS!
