Fresno State Athletics

Defense Powers 'Dogs to 59-55 Win Over Lobos
2/28/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Box Score | Quotes | Notes | Photo Gallery
By Stephen Trembley
strembley@csufresno.edu
www.GoBulldogs.com
FRESNO, Calif. --- The Fresno State men's basketball team added another quality victory to its conference season as the Bulldogs took down three-time defending Mountain West tournament champion New Mexico 59-55 on Saturday night at the Save Mart Center.
Fresno State (14-15, 9-7 MW) backed up its exciting win over Wyoming this past Wednesday as junior guard Marvelle Harris led three Bulldogs in double figures with a team-best 14 points and four assists before an announced season-best 8,310 fans.
"There were times when I couldn't even hear some of the switches on the court, but it was really loud and I think us playing like that kept the crowd in the game," Harris said. "The fans kept working the game with us."
But it was a breakout effort on the glass by sophomore wing Paul Watson, who posted his first career double-double with 10 points and a career-high 12 rebounds to go with four steals, that really helped power Fresno State to its first win over New Mexico since 1999. Senior forward Alex Davis added 10 points and junior Julien Harris chipped in eight points and five rebounds and some strong defense.
"Everything was predicated off our defense," Fresno State head coach Rodney Terry said. "Our guys came out with really good energy and did a great job earning the game. We were physical with our block outs. They led us to play in our strength, and our strength is playing in open court. That was probably the best start we've had all year in that regards.
Harris made two free throws with 7.2 seconds left to seal the victory that guarantees the Bulldogs' second-straight season with at least nine wins in conference play.
Fresno State raced out to 30-8 lead over New Mexico before the Lobos surged back with a 17-2 first-half closing run that made it 32-25 at the break.
Deshawn Delaney's free throw pulled New Mexico (14-15, 6-11) within 55-53 with a minute to go. Harris made 1 of 2 to give the Bulldogs a three-point lead with 28 seconds.
Emmanuel Owootoah intercepted Hugh Greenwood's perimeter pass with 15 seconds and added another free throw to make it a four-point game for Fresno State before Devon Williams cut it back to two.
Delaney led the Lobos with 15 points. Obij Aget had 13 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Up Next
The Bulldogs will play its final home game of the 2014-15 season when Fresno State hosts Air Force in the annual Salute to Services Night.
Tickets for the game versus Air Force on Wednesday at 7 p.m. PT start at $10, and can be purchased at the Save Mart Center Box Office and online at www.Ticketmaster.com. All Fresno State students get free admission and can also bring one student guest for free.
"Be Bold!" --- The official flagship radio stations for Fresno State men's basketball are 940 AM ESPN Radio and 1600 AM ESPN Deportes.