Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
16-3 (8-0MW)
San Diego State
6-13 (3-5MW)
`Dogs Top San Diego State 57-50
1/28/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
By Josh Mitchell
jomitchell@csufresno.edu
GoBulldogs.com
FRESNO, Calif. - In a team effort, five Fresno State players recorded double-digit scoring performances as the Bulldogs (16-3, 8-0 MW) knocked off San Diego State (6-13, 3-5 MW), 57-50, Wednesday night at the Save Mart Center.
The win extended Fresno State's unbeaten streak to 12 games, tying for the second-longest in program history with the 2011-12 team. The team's 16-3 record matched the 1984-85 team for the best 19-game start in school history.
In the Bulldogs' balanced attack offensively, senior guard Raven Fox scored a team-high 14 points, while junior center Toni Smith posted 13 points. Just behind them though was a trio that included seniors Alex Furr and Alex Sheedy, and junior Shauqunna Collins, who each had 10 points. Smith was one-rebound shy of reaching her second-career double-double as she finished the night with a team-best nine boards, one above her previous season high.
For the first time since Dec. 12, 2014, the Bulldogs were out-rebounded as the Aztecs held a 37-28 advantage on the glass. The deficit did not hurt the 'Dogs though as they shot over 80 percent from the foul line for the second consecutive game, converting 17-of-20 (.850) attempts from the stripe.
Trailing 10-9 after a jumper from McKynzie Fort just under seven minutes into the game, Fresno State went on a 14-2 run over the next six minutes as the team began to force the ball inside on the Aztecs. Twelve of the 14 points during the spurt came from inside the paint with four different 'Dogs accounting for the six field goals.
Leading 23-12 with 6:23 on the clock, SDSU's Erimma Amarikwa hit a jumper, which was followed by a 3-pointer and a fast-break layup from Desi Culberson as the Aztecs climbed back into the contest. Amarikwa was then fouled with just under four minutes remaining and hit both shots from the free throw line to pull the Aztecs within two. Fox responded though with a 3-pointer to put the 'Dogs back up five.
With less than a minute left in the half, Sheedy dropped a 3 to push the lead back up to eight.
Fresno State went into the half holding a 29-22 lead, in part to its play in the paint where the team had a 16-4 advantage.
With a layup from Ahjalee Harvey to open up the half, San Diego State cut its deficit to five, but that was as close as the Aztecs would get the remainder of the contest. Five points from Furr keyed a 10-3 spurt that gave the Bulldogs a 39-27 lead with 15:26 to play.
SDSU was able to pull back within seven two minutes later but with eight minutes to go, Fresno State's lead was back up to 12 as the teams would trade runs to finish game.
The Bulldogs are back in action on Saturday night as they host second-place Colorado State in a rematch of last season's Mountain West championship game. Tipoff is slated for 2 p.m., PT, at the Save Mart Center. In the this year's Pack the House contest, giveaways will continue for fans as an iPad will be given out every five minutes of game time.
"Be Bold" - ESPN2 790AM is the home of the Fresno State women's basketball team.
