Fresno State Athletics
'Dogs Back at Home to Face Spartans
2/3/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Feb. 3, 2015
Game 23: San Jose State (2-19, 0-9 MW) at Fresno State (10-12, 5-4 MW)
Feb. 4, 2015 -- 7 p.m. PT -- Fresno, Calif. (Save Mart Center)
TV: Mountain West Network (Paul Loeffler/Randy Rosenbloom)
Radio: 940 AM ESPN Radio & www.GoBulldogs.com (Paul Loeffler/Randy Rosenbloom) & 1600 AM ESPN Deportes (Jesse Beltran)
Series History: Fresno State leads 82-75 (overall) and 48-36 (games played in Fresno)
Last Meeting: Fresno State 73, San Jose State 62 (1/14/15 - San Jose, Calif.)
Bulldog Bones
• Fresno State is 9-1 against San Jose State at the Save Mart Center.
• Fresno State is vying for its first 6-4 start in conference play since starting 6-4 during the 2004-05 season; first-ever since joining the MW in 2012.
• Fresno State has won five of its last eight games.
• Fresno State will play three of its next four games at home.
• REFERENCE: "Fresno State" (never: FSU, CSUF, Fresno State University, or just simply "Fresno"); ABBREVIATION: Fresno St. or FS
Honors Candidate: Marvelle Harris, Guard
• In conference play, Fresno State junior guard Marvelle Harris has led the MW in steals (12, 2.3 spg); ranks No. 2 in scoring (19.3 ppg) and minutes (38.3 mpg); No. 10 in 3-pointers (17) & No. 20 in rebounding (4.7 rpg).
• Harris ranks No. 22 on Fresno State's all-time scoring list (1,167 pts) - two points away from tying Kevin Olekaibe for No. 21 (1,169 pts).
• Harris has scored 10 or more points the last 18 games & 19 of the last 20.
Between the Baselines: Team Notes
• Fresno State sophomore guard/forward Paul Watson is averaging a team-best 17.3 ppg in home games while going 21-for-52 on 3-pointers (40.4%).
• Fresno State is tied for the MW lead with three players in the conference's Top 20 scoring leaders and ranks second in steals and steals per game.
• Fresno State owns a +54 steal ratio (174-120) & +24 block ratio (91-67).
• Fresno State has not committed more turnovers than its opponents in 10 consecutive games and 18 of its 22 games this season; 94 of 124 games (75.8%) during Coach Rodney Terry's arrival in 2011.
• Fresno State owns a +9.7 scoring margin in home games this season.
• Fresno State is 10-5 this year when holding an opponent under 70 points.
• Fresno State is 4-1 this year when four Bulldogs score at least 10 points.
• Fresno State is 7-2 at home this season.
'Dogs Back at Home to Face Spartans
Fresno State (10-12, 5-4 Mountain West) returns home looking to complete its second straight season sweep of San Jose State (2-19, 0-9 MW) on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. PT at the Save Mart Center. The game will be broadcast on the Mountain West Network, 940 AM ESPN Radio, 1600 AM ESPN Deportes and www.GoBulldogs.com.
Special Promos for Wednesday Night's Game
All Fresno State staff and faculty receive free admission to Wednesday's game when over $1,000 in gas gift cards will be given away. One Fresno State student will win an iPad Mini and another Beats By Dre headphones.
About the San Jose State Spartans
The San Jose State Spartans are 2-19 on the season and 0-9 in Mountain West play. Fresno State has won the last three meetings, including a 73-62 victory in San Jose earlier this season on Jan. 14.
Four Bulldogs Averaging Double-Digits
Fresno State's Marvelle Harris leads four Bulldogs averaging over 10 points per game - Harris (17.6 ppg), Cezar Guerrero (11.8 ppg), Paul Watson (11.7 ppg) and Julien Lewis (10.9 ppg). Fresno State is the one of three MW schools (Utah State and Colorado State) with three players ranking in the Top 20 of the conference for season scoring average.
Harris Leading MW, Bulldogs' Backcourt
Fresno State junior guard Marvelle Harris is third in the Mountain West in scoring (17.6 ppg) through the Bulldogs' first 22 games of the season. Harris is one of the team's leading free throw (76.8%, 96-for-125), 3-point (31.6%, 37-for-117) and field goal shooters (45.2%, 127-for-281). Harris is building off last season, when he was an honorable mention All-MW honoree and helped Fresno State reach the CBI Championship Series.
Versatile Watson Focused on Production
Bulldogs guard/forward Paul Watson - the 2013-14 Mountain West Freshman of the Year - gives Fresno State a versatile option on the wing and the post. Watson played almost exclusively at forward as a freshman and moved out to the wing this season. Coach Terry has used Watson in both slots this year and he has stretched opposing defenses behind 34-for-99 (34.3%) from beyond the 3-point arc this season forcing defenders to guard him on the perimeter in addition to his ability to attack the basket. Watson scored a career-high 28 points in a 93-55 victory over Bristol on Nov. 17.
Lewis Infuses Scoring Spark, Defensive Edge
Junior shooting guard Julien Lewis, who played his first two collegiate seasons for the University of Texas, has quickly provided the immediate impact that Coach Terry envisioned for the 6-4 guard from Galveston, Texas. Lewis is fourth on the team in scoring (10.9 ppg) and has scored in double figures in 12 games this season for Fresno State. His defensive grit has provided a high-pressure extra edge to the Bulldogs' mentality. He scored a career-high 29 points in Fresno State's 71-68 loss at Pacific.
Edo Making Big Strides in Sophomore Season
Karachi Edo has been a fan favorite since his arrival at Fresno State in 2013 for his high-flying athleticism and passionate play. On the floor, Edo has made significant progress upping his scoring average to 9.1 ppg as a sophomore this season from 4.0 ppg as a freshman. He is also averaging 1.3 more rebounds per game (up to 4.6 rpg this season from 3.3 rpg last season).
Tip Off Time Moved Up to 4 p.m. for Feb. 14 Game
The tip off time for the Fresno State special Valentine's Day men's basketball game versus the Boise State Broncos on Saturday, Feb. 14 has been moved up to 4 p.m. PT. The contest had previously been listed for a 7 p.m. PT start. After hosting its two best crowds of the season the past two Saturdays at 4 p.m. PT, Fresno State worked with the Mountain West office, Boise State and ESPN to adjust the tip off time to the fan-friendly late afternoon tip off time. The game will still be broadcast on ESPN3/WatchESPN.com.
ESPN Loves The 'Dogs
Fresno State will appear on the ESPN Family of Networks more than any other MW school this season (nine times).
Fresno State Announces New Mini-Plan Options
Fresno State Athletics has introduced multiple mini-plans that include flexible offerings for the Bulldogs' upcoming games in conference play. Fans can purchase mini-plans starting at $36 by calling 278-DOGS, visiting the Fresno State ticket office located in the northeast corner of the Save Mart Center or by logging on to GoBulldogs.com.
