Fresno State Athletics
Saturday, March 4
Fresno, Calif.
4 p.m. PT
Fresno State
vs
UNLV
Photo by: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports
FREE PARKING for Saturday’s UNLV-Fresno State game
3/2/2017 1:40:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Single-game tickets for Fresno State’s final home game versus UNLV start at $15 at the Save Mart Center Box Office and www.ticketmaster.com.
Game 30: UNLV (11-19, 4-13 MW) at Fresno State (18-11, 10-7 MW)
March 4, 2017 -- 4 p.m. PT -- Fresno, Calif. (Save Mart Center)
TV/Online: ESPN3/WatchESPN
Radio: 940 AM ESPN Radio (Paul Loeffler/Marc Q. Jones) & 1600 AM ESPN Deportes (Jesse Beltran/Jose Luis Gonzalez, Jr.)
Series History: UNLV leads 30-11 (overall) • Series tied 2-2 (games played at the Save Mart Center)
Record vs. UNLV in Terry Era: 5-3 (overall) • 2-1 (games played in Fresno)
Last Meeting: Fresno State 95, UNLV 82 (March 10, 2016 • Las Vegas • MW Quarterfinals)
Last Meeting in Fresno: Fresno State 111, UNLV 104 [2OT] -- (Feb. 6, 2016)
FREE PARKING for Saturday's UNLV-Fresno State game
Fans attending Saturday's UNLV-Fresno State men's basketball game can park for FREE in the Save Mart Center parking lot. The game starts at 4 p.m. PT. There is also an exclusive 2-for-1 ticket offer for fans who participated in the Chik-Fil-A free throw promotion earlier this season, which will be texted to each eligible participant. Single-game tickets for Fresno State's final home game versus UNLV start at $15 at the Save Mart Center Box Office and www.ticketmaster.com. Group tickets (for groups of 10 or more) are available starting at $8 per ticket by calling 559-278-1688.
Opening Tip
• Fresno State is seeking its fifth straight win, and fourth straight win vs. UNLV.
• Fresno State is seeking its fourth season with at least 13 home wins in Save Mart Center history, and the third with 13 or more home wins in the last four seasons.
• Fresno State is one win away from its 23rd season with at least 19 wins.
Bulldog Bones
• Fresno State junior guard Jahmel Taylor is fourth in the nation in 3-point shooting (74-for-160, 46.3 percent).
• Fresno State redshirt junior guard Jaron Hopkins is 15th in the nation in steals per game (2.2 spg, 63 steals).
• Fresno State ranks 12th in the nation in steals per game (8.6 spg, 249).
• Fresno State redshirt sophomore guard Deshon Taylor ranks 38th in the nation (1st in the MW) in free throw shooting (87.3 percent, 124-142).
• Fresno State redshirt sophomore guard Deshon Taylor made 71 of his last 74 free throw attempts (96.0 percent, last eight games).
Protecting the Yard
• Fresno State is 12-2 overall at home this season (7-1 vs. MW opponents).
• Fresno State has won 15 of its last 16 home games when playing a MW opponent. Overall, Fresno State has won 11 of its last 12 home games.
• Fresno State is 28-4 overall at home since the start of the 2015-16 season.
• Fresno State has won 20 of its last 22, and 30 of its last 34 home games.
• Fresno State has won eight of its last nine home games played on a Saturday.
Deshon Taylor emerging as dual threat
• Since being inserted into the Bulldogs' starting line-up on Jan. 14, Fresno State redshirt sophomore guard Deshon Taylor has averaged 20.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 steals per game (12 games).
• As a starter, Deshon Taylor has also shot 90.2 percent at the free throw line (101-for-112 FT), compared to 76.7 percent (23-30 FT) as a reserve.
• In the first 17 games of the season (no starts), Deshon Taylor averaged 5.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 0.9 steals per game.
• Deshon Taylor made 37.7 percent (26-for-69 FGA) and 28.9 percent (13-for-45 3FGA) in his first 17 games (as a reserve), while shooting 47.2 percent (60-for-127 FGA) and 48.3 percent (28-for-58 3FGA) in the last 11 games (as a starter) for increases of 8.4 percent (FGA) and 19.4 percent (3FGA) since joining the starting line-up on Jan. 14.
• Taylor scored a career-high 32 points, including a 17-for-18 clip at the free throw line, in a quadruple overtime game at Wyoming on Feb. 8. His 17 free throws set a school record for most free throws made in a game.
• REFERENCE: "Fresno State" (never: FSU, CSUF, Fresno State University, or just simply "Fresno"); ABBREVIATION: Fresno St. or FS
Bulldogs to honor seniors, host UNLV Saturday
With Fresno State (18-11, 10-7 Mountain West) on a four-game winning streak, the Bulldogs will host the UNLV Runnin' Rebels (11-19, 4-13 MW) on Saturday at 4 p.m. PT inside the Save Mart Center. The game will be broadcast on ESPN3/WatchESPN, 940 AM ESPN Radio and 1600 AM ESPN Deportes. There will be a pre-game ceremony honoring the Bulldogs' three seniors: Karachi Edo, Cullen Russo and Paul Watson. There will also be a special pre-game presentation announcing the Bulldogs' participation in a non-conference preseason tournament during the 2017-18 season.
FREE PARKING for Saturday's game
Fans attending Saturday's UNLV-Fresno State men's basketball game can park for FREE in the Save Mart Center parking lot. There is also an exclusive 2-for-1 ticket offer for fans who participated in the Chik-Fil-A free throw promotion earlier this season. Single-game tickets for Fresno State's final home game versus UNLV start at $15 at the Save Mart Center Box Office and www.ticketmaster.com. Group tickets (for groups of 10 or more) are available starting at $8 per ticket by calling 559-278-1688.
'Dogs earn MW Tourney Bye, will be No. 3 or 4 seed
Fresno State has clinched a first round for the MW Championships for the third straight season. The Bulldogs will be the No. 3 seed for the 2017 MW Championships with a win over UNLV and a Boise State loss at Air Force on Saturday. Otherwise, Fresno State will be the No. 4 seed. The 'Dogs will begin its title defense at the Thomas & Mack Center on Thursday, March 9 at either 2:30 p.m. PT (No. 3 seed) or 8:30 p.m. PT (No. 4 seed).
About the UNLV Runnin' Rebels
The UNLV Runnin' Rebels are 11-19 this season, which includes a 4-13 record during Mountain West play. While UNLV leads the all-time series 30-11, the Bulldogs have won five of the last eight meetings, including the last three in the series. This will be the only meeting between Fresno State and UNLV during the regular season.
Hopkins surging as Dynamic Defender
Fresno State redshirt junior guard Jaron Hopkins has established himself as one of the premier defenders in the nation, especially in the West region, for disrupting passing lanes and scoring in transition. Hopkins has averaged a team-best 13.2 points, while also adding 5.4 rebounds, a team-high 3.5 assists and 2.2 steals per game. Hopkins, who played his first two seasons at Colorado, has played in all 29 games this season, with 23 starts.
Watson sitting at 18th on all-time scoring list, closing in on Johnson
Bulldogs' senior 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 has played both positions during his career, primarily on the wing. Watson has 1,330 career points to rank 18th on the program's all-time scoring list and currently sits 16 points away from tying Tyler Johnson (2011-14) for 17th (1,346 career points).
March 4, 2017 -- 4 p.m. PT -- Fresno, Calif. (Save Mart Center)
TV/Online: ESPN3/WatchESPN
Radio: 940 AM ESPN Radio (Paul Loeffler/Marc Q. Jones) & 1600 AM ESPN Deportes (Jesse Beltran/Jose Luis Gonzalez, Jr.)
Series History: UNLV leads 30-11 (overall) • Series tied 2-2 (games played at the Save Mart Center)
Record vs. UNLV in Terry Era: 5-3 (overall) • 2-1 (games played in Fresno)
Last Meeting: Fresno State 95, UNLV 82 (March 10, 2016 • Las Vegas • MW Quarterfinals)
Last Meeting in Fresno: Fresno State 111, UNLV 104 [2OT] -- (Feb. 6, 2016)
FREE PARKING for Saturday's UNLV-Fresno State game
Fans attending Saturday's UNLV-Fresno State men's basketball game can park for FREE in the Save Mart Center parking lot. The game starts at 4 p.m. PT. There is also an exclusive 2-for-1 ticket offer for fans who participated in the Chik-Fil-A free throw promotion earlier this season, which will be texted to each eligible participant. Single-game tickets for Fresno State's final home game versus UNLV start at $15 at the Save Mart Center Box Office and www.ticketmaster.com. Group tickets (for groups of 10 or more) are available starting at $8 per ticket by calling 559-278-1688.
Opening Tip
• Fresno State is seeking its fifth straight win, and fourth straight win vs. UNLV.
• Fresno State is seeking its fourth season with at least 13 home wins in Save Mart Center history, and the third with 13 or more home wins in the last four seasons.
• Fresno State is one win away from its 23rd season with at least 19 wins.
Bulldog Bones
• Fresno State junior guard Jahmel Taylor is fourth in the nation in 3-point shooting (74-for-160, 46.3 percent).
• Fresno State redshirt junior guard Jaron Hopkins is 15th in the nation in steals per game (2.2 spg, 63 steals).
• Fresno State ranks 12th in the nation in steals per game (8.6 spg, 249).
• Fresno State redshirt sophomore guard Deshon Taylor ranks 38th in the nation (1st in the MW) in free throw shooting (87.3 percent, 124-142).
• Fresno State redshirt sophomore guard Deshon Taylor made 71 of his last 74 free throw attempts (96.0 percent, last eight games).
Protecting the Yard
• Fresno State is 12-2 overall at home this season (7-1 vs. MW opponents).
• Fresno State has won 15 of its last 16 home games when playing a MW opponent. Overall, Fresno State has won 11 of its last 12 home games.
• Fresno State is 28-4 overall at home since the start of the 2015-16 season.
• Fresno State has won 20 of its last 22, and 30 of its last 34 home games.
• Fresno State has won eight of its last nine home games played on a Saturday.
Deshon Taylor emerging as dual threat
• Since being inserted into the Bulldogs' starting line-up on Jan. 14, Fresno State redshirt sophomore guard Deshon Taylor has averaged 20.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 steals per game (12 games).
• As a starter, Deshon Taylor has also shot 90.2 percent at the free throw line (101-for-112 FT), compared to 76.7 percent (23-30 FT) as a reserve.
• In the first 17 games of the season (no starts), Deshon Taylor averaged 5.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 0.9 steals per game.
• Deshon Taylor made 37.7 percent (26-for-69 FGA) and 28.9 percent (13-for-45 3FGA) in his first 17 games (as a reserve), while shooting 47.2 percent (60-for-127 FGA) and 48.3 percent (28-for-58 3FGA) in the last 11 games (as a starter) for increases of 8.4 percent (FGA) and 19.4 percent (3FGA) since joining the starting line-up on Jan. 14.
• Taylor scored a career-high 32 points, including a 17-for-18 clip at the free throw line, in a quadruple overtime game at Wyoming on Feb. 8. His 17 free throws set a school record for most free throws made in a game.
• REFERENCE: "Fresno State" (never: FSU, CSUF, Fresno State University, or just simply "Fresno"); ABBREVIATION: Fresno St. or FS
Bulldogs to honor seniors, host UNLV Saturday
With Fresno State (18-11, 10-7 Mountain West) on a four-game winning streak, the Bulldogs will host the UNLV Runnin' Rebels (11-19, 4-13 MW) on Saturday at 4 p.m. PT inside the Save Mart Center. The game will be broadcast on ESPN3/WatchESPN, 940 AM ESPN Radio and 1600 AM ESPN Deportes. There will be a pre-game ceremony honoring the Bulldogs' three seniors: Karachi Edo, Cullen Russo and Paul Watson. There will also be a special pre-game presentation announcing the Bulldogs' participation in a non-conference preseason tournament during the 2017-18 season.
FREE PARKING for Saturday's game
Fans attending Saturday's UNLV-Fresno State men's basketball game can park for FREE in the Save Mart Center parking lot. There is also an exclusive 2-for-1 ticket offer for fans who participated in the Chik-Fil-A free throw promotion earlier this season. Single-game tickets for Fresno State's final home game versus UNLV start at $15 at the Save Mart Center Box Office and www.ticketmaster.com. Group tickets (for groups of 10 or more) are available starting at $8 per ticket by calling 559-278-1688.
'Dogs earn MW Tourney Bye, will be No. 3 or 4 seed
Fresno State has clinched a first round for the MW Championships for the third straight season. The Bulldogs will be the No. 3 seed for the 2017 MW Championships with a win over UNLV and a Boise State loss at Air Force on Saturday. Otherwise, Fresno State will be the No. 4 seed. The 'Dogs will begin its title defense at the Thomas & Mack Center on Thursday, March 9 at either 2:30 p.m. PT (No. 3 seed) or 8:30 p.m. PT (No. 4 seed).
About the UNLV Runnin' Rebels
The UNLV Runnin' Rebels are 11-19 this season, which includes a 4-13 record during Mountain West play. While UNLV leads the all-time series 30-11, the Bulldogs have won five of the last eight meetings, including the last three in the series. This will be the only meeting between Fresno State and UNLV during the regular season.
Hopkins surging as Dynamic Defender
Fresno State redshirt junior guard Jaron Hopkins has established himself as one of the premier defenders in the nation, especially in the West region, for disrupting passing lanes and scoring in transition. Hopkins has averaged a team-best 13.2 points, while also adding 5.4 rebounds, a team-high 3.5 assists and 2.2 steals per game. Hopkins, who played his first two seasons at Colorado, has played in all 29 games this season, with 23 starts.
Watson sitting at 18th on all-time scoring list, closing in on Johnson
Bulldogs' senior 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 has played both positions during his career, primarily on the wing. Watson has 1,330 career points to rank 18th on the program's all-time scoring list and currently sits 16 points away from tying Tyler Johnson (2011-14) for 17th (1,346 career points).
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