Fresno State seizes second straight victory, 61-58 over Montana

Sunday, December 10

Fresno, Calif.

2 p.m. PT

Fresno State

4-5

Montana

3-6

Montana

Fresno State

Fresno State seizes second straight victory, 61-58 over Montana

12/10/2017 5:34:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

Candice White notches a game-high 23 points in the victory.

By: Justin Clark / Communications Intern

FRESNO, Calif. – Fresno State hosted Montana on Sunday afternoon in the first ever meeting between the teams. The Lady Griz held a 32-17 lead at the half as the Bulldogs shot just 25 percent in the first two periods but found their stroke in the second half and rode the hot hand of Candice White to a 61-58 win.

HOW IT HAPPENED
It was a sluggish opening quarter on the offensive end for both teams. Montana shot 6-of-15 from the field and was only 1-of-6 from 3-point range to tally 15 points. Fresno State made 2-of-13 shot attempts and scored seven points as the Bulldogs trailed the Grizzlies 15-7 after one.

The second quarter yielded similar results. Montana again shot about 40 percent, but the Lady Griz were able to knock down 3-of-5 from downtown in the period. The 'Dogs weren't able to find their shot as they made 4-of-11 from the floor and totaled 10 points in the frame. Montana led 32-17 heading into the locker room. Maddi Utti had six points and four rebounds in the first half for Fresno State.

Fresno State came out in the second half with a renewed energy. Candice White got her game going with 16 points in the quarter and the rest of the 'Dogs followed suit. The Bulldogs outscored Montana 26-13 in the third quarter by shooting 7-of-10 from the field and 9-of-10 from the free throw line. The Lady Griz's lead was down to two at 45-43 heading into the fourth quarter.

The 'Dogs continued to shoot the ball well in the final period (7-of-14). Guards Candice White and Aly Gamez created off the dribble, Jordanna Porter knocked down a couple of clutch 3's and Fresno State got timely stops on defense as they captured a 61-58 win over Montana. The victory gave the Bulldogs back-to-back wins for the first time this season. Candice White finished with a game-high 23 points on 6-of-11 shooting.

TEAM NOTES
- Fresno State outrebounded the Lady Griz 38-32, its third game in the last four that it has done so (3-0).
- After shooting just 6-of-24 in the first half, the Bulldogs finished the game at 42 percent from the floor.
- The 'Dogs sank 14-of-16 (88%) from the free throw line.

PLAYER NOTES
Candice White – 23 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists
- Shot 6-of-11 from the field.
- Tied for the team-high with eight boards.
- Made all nine free throws and is now 39-of-39 this season (longest current streak in the nation).

Aly Gamez – 13 points, 4 rebounds
- Made 4-of-9 from the floor.
- Went 2-of-5 from behind the arc.

Maddi Utti – 10 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals
- Tied for the team high with eight rebounds.
- Marks her sixth straight game with double figure scoring.
- Swiped a team-high two steals.

QUOTES
Head Coach Jamie White
On adjustments…
"We shot a lot of threes in the first half. At halftime, we felt like we could attack them a little bit more. Also, we needed to pressure and play full court."

On playing without Noyer…
"I feel like we're a little undersized without Katelin [Noyer] but I thought Megan [Nilsson] came in and gave us some great minutes."

On White's play in the second half…
"Candice [White] had a great second half and I thought she really showed some leadership and put the team on her shoulders."

Junior guard Candice White
On the team's play in the second half…
"Being one of the upperclassmen on this team, it's very motivating knowing that those young kids are still wanting to compete even if we're down by a lot."

NEXT UP
After taking the week off for finals, Fresno State heads to the Bay Area to play San Francisco on Dec. 17. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. PT against the Dons.

"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.

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