Fresno State Athletics
Bulldogs Jockey for Seeding, Sweep of Broncos
3/6/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Game 31: Fresno State (15-15, 10-7 MW) at Boise State (23-7, 13-4 MW)
March 7, 2015 -- 5 p.m. PT -- Boise, Idaho (Taco Bell Arena)
TV: ESPN3/WatchESPN.com (Ari Wolfe/Kevin Lehman)
Radio: 940 AM ESPN Radio & www.GoBulldogs.com (Paul Loeffler)
Series History: Boise State leads 19-17 (overall) and 11-5 (games played in Boise)
Last Meeting: Fresno State 70, Boise State 64 -- (Feb. 14, 2015 - Fresno, Calif.)
Up Next: MW Quarterfinals vs. TBD -- (March 12, 2015 - Las Vegas)
Game Notes: Fresno State at Boise State 
Special Note
• The Fresno State men's basketball team has added a "TARK" patch to its jerseys for the rest of the season in memory of the late Jerry Tarkanian.
Bulldog Bones
• Fresno State is in sixth place in the conference standings and has clinched a first-round bye in the 2015 Mountain West Basketball Championships.
• With a win over Boise State, Fresno State can finish as the No. 4, No. 5 or No. 6 seed. A loss to Boise State would make the 'Dogs the No. 6 seed.
• 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 assists (3.8 apg), steals (38, 2.2 spg) and minutes (639 min), No. 2 in minutes per game (37.6 mpg), No. 3 in scoring (17.1 ppg), No. 7 in assist to turnover ratio (1.6 A-TO) and No. 20 for rebounding (4.9 rpg).
• Harris ranks No. 18 on Fresno State's all-time scoring list (1,292 pts) - just five points away from tying Chris Herren for No. 17 (1,297 pts).
• Harris has scored 10 or more points the last 26 games & 28 of 30 this year.
• Harris has grabbed five or more rebounds in 16 games this season.
• Harris has dished out five or more assists in nine games this season.
Between the Baselines: Team Notes
• 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 +77 steal ratio (240-163) & +15 block ratio (110-95).
• Fresno State has not committed more turnovers than its opponents in 16 of the last 18 games and 24 of its 30 games this season; 100 of 132 games (75.7%) since Coach Rodney Terry's arrival in 2011.
Bulldogs Jockey for Seeding, Sweep of Broncos
Fresno State (15-15, 10-7 Mountain West) travels to play at Boise State (23-7, 13-4 MW) on Saturday night at 5 p.m. PT with a chance to complete the regular season sweep of the Broncos and improve its seeding for the next week's MW Championships in Las Vegas. The game will be broadcast on ESPN3/WatchESPN.com, 940 AM ESPN Radio & www.GoBulldogs.com.
About the Boise State Broncos
The Boise State Broncos are 23-7 on the season and 13-4 against Mountain West opponents. The Broncos can clinch the No. 1 seed for the MW Tournament with a win over Fresno State on Saturday and at least a share of the regular season conference title. BSU is led by senior guard Derrick Marks (19.8 ppg). The Bulldogs rallied for a 70-64 win over the Broncos in Fresno on Feb. 14, which is Boise State's only loss in the last 14 games. Fresno State is looking to complete its first regular season sweep of BSU since 2003.
Four Bulldogs Averaging Double-Digits
Fresno State's Marvelle Harris leads four 'Dogs averaging over 10 points per game: Harris (17.1 ppg), Julien Lewis (11.6 ppg), Cezar Guerrero (11.4 ppg) and Paul Watson (11.1 ppg). Fresno State is one of three MW schools (Colorado State and Utah State) with three scorers ranking in the Top 20.
Harris Leading MW, Bulldogs' Backcourt
Fresno State junior guard Marvelle Harris is third in the Mountain West in scoring (17.1 ppg) through the Bulldogs' first 30 games of the season. Harris is one of the team's leading free throw (75.2%, 124-for-165), 3-point (32.5%, 52-for-160) and field goal shooters (44.0%, 168-for-382). Harris is building off last season, when he was an honorable mention All-MW honoree and helped Fresno State reach the CBI Championship Series. Harris scored a career-best 40 points while making 61 percent of his field goals attempts to lead the 'Dogs to a 69-66 road win at Nevada on Jan. 10, 2015.
Guerrero Earns Spot in Starting Rotation
After missing the first 17 games of the season working toward meeting the NCAA's continuing eligibility standards, Fresno State junior point guard Cezar Guerrero has worked his way in the Bulldogs' starting line-up. Guerrero brings a dynamic flash, great court vision and deep scoring threat to the Fresno State offense. Prior to the season, Guerrero made international headlines for hitting five half-court shots in a row during the Bulldogs' Red & White Hoops Night. He was featured on ESPN's Sportscenter and the original YouTube video has been viewed over 600,000 times.
Davis A 2015 Allstate Good Works Team Nominee
Fresno State senior forward Alex Davis is one of 158 nominees for the 2015 Allstate NABC Good Works Team. Davis is a team leader during community service activities at Children's Hospital Central California and the local Boy's and Girl's Club. This prestigious award recognizes "a commitment to enriching the lives of others and contributing to the greater good."
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 46-for-135 (34.1%) 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 second on the team in scoring (11.6 ppg) and has scored in double figures in 18 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 8.2 ppg as a sophomore this season from 4.0 ppg as a freshman. He is also averaging 0.9 more rebounds per game (up to 4.2 rpg this season from 3.3 rpg last season).
FIRST MEETING: Bulldogs Rally for 70-64 Win over Boise State
The Bulldogs used a relentless defensive effort and the leadership of juniors Marvelle Harris and Julien Lewis to earn a 70-64 victory over Boise State on Valentine's Day. The rally was largely produced by the sharp-shooting of Harris (24 points and four steals) and Lewis (15 points and four assists)
ESPN Loves The 'Dogs
Fresno State will appear on the ESPN Family of Networks more than any other MW school this season (nine times). Through the end of the regular season, the Bulldogs will have appeared on ESPNU twice and ESPN3 seven times. CBS Sports Network also features four Fresno State games this year.
