Fresno State notches 57-56 victory over Utah State in conference home opener

Wednesday, January 3

Fresno, Calif.

7 p.m. PT

Fresno State

7-7, 2-1

Utah State

3-11, 1-2

Utah State

Fresno State

Photo by: Keith Kountz

Fresno State notches 57-56 victory over Utah State in conference home opener

1/3/2018 9:40:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

By: Justin Clark / Communications Intern

FRESNO, Calif. – Fresno State hosted Utah State in its conference home opener on Wednesday night at the Save Mart Center. After trailing 31-24 at the half, the Bulldogs battled back and took down the Aggies 57-56 behind a stingy defense and clutch free throw shooting down the stretch.

HOW IT HAPPENED
It was a sluggish opening quarter for both teams. Fresno State limited Utah State to 6-of-16 shooting (37.5%) but the Bulldogs struggled offensively as well, converting on 3-of-14 from the field as the Aggies took a 13-8 lead into the second.

Both squads found their stroke in the second quarter. The 'Dogs shot the ball at a 50 percent clip (7-of-14) and scored 16 points in the period. Utah State poured in 8-of-12 from the floor as the Aggies tallied 18 points in the frame to take a 31-24 advantage into the locker room. Aly Gamez led Fresno State with eight points on 3-of-5 shooting in the first half.

The Bulldogs came out and dominated the third quarter. They scored 22 points on 8-of-14 from the field while holding Utah State to 13 points in the frame to take a 46-44 lead into the fourth.

Fresno State trailed 54-48 with just over four minutes to go as the 'Dogs managed only one bucket through the first seven minutes of the period. Candice White sank a pair of free throws with just under a minute remaining to bring the Bulldogs within one at 56-55.

With Fresno State still down 56-55 after a defensive stop, White drove to the bucket and got fouled with 8.8 seconds left. She was true on both free throw attempts. The free throws earned White the Mountain West record for most consecutive free throws made at 61 in a row dating back to last year and gave the 'Dogs a 57-56 victory over Utah State in its conference home opener.

TEAM NOTES
- Fresno State shot 10-of-12 from the free throw line (83%).
- The Bulldogs held Utah State to 4-of-14 shooting in the fourth quarter.
- The 'Dogs did not allow a fast break point.

PLAYER NOTES
Aly Gamez – 17 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds
- Shot 5-of-8 from the floor.
- Nailed season-best 3-of-5 from behind the arc.

Maddi Utti – 12 points, 3 rebounds
- Was an efficient 6-of-8 from the field.
- Logged a team-high 35 minutes.

Candice White – 15 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists
- Went 4-of-4 from the free throw line (sank two free throws with 8.8 seconds left to give the 'Dogs the lead) and has now made 61 in a row dating back to last year, which sets the Mountain West record, passing TCU's Emily Carter who had 60 from 2010-11.
- Poured in 3-of-7 from 3.

QUOTES
Head Coach Jaime White
On Candice White's drive to the hoop to set up the game-winning free throws…
"I thought she had great composure. We drew up about 30 plays but I thought we did a good job using the time."

On the final defensive possession…
"We did a great job on (Brewster) as she finished 2-of-12. I thought they would go for a drive since they only needed one point."

Candice White, junior guard
On her thought process at the free throw line…
"I just go up there and keep my focus. That's what free throws are to me, focus."

NEXT UP
Fresno State will host Colorado State in its second Mountain West home game of the season on Saturday. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. PT at the Save Mart Center.

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