Second quarter surge propels 'Dogs past Mustangs

Wednesday, November 14

Fresno, Calif.

7 p.m. PT

Fresno State

1-1

Cal Poly

1-3

Cal Poly

Fresno State

Photo by: Keith Kountz/Fresno State

Second quarter surge propels 'Dogs past Mustangs

11/14/2018 10:40:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score Photo Gallery (Keith Kountz)

By: T.J. Stricklin / Communications Intern

FRESNO, Calif. – In the 2018-19 home opener, Fresno State took down in-state foe Cal Poly 76-58 on Wednesday night in the Save Mart Center. The 'Dogs forced 29 turnovers throughout the game and were led by senior guard Candice White, who put up 25 points five steals and four rebounds in the game.

Behind White, two other Bulldogs reached double figures in scoring in sophomores Maddi Utti and Bree Delaney. Utti finished with 10 points, six rebounds and three steals, while Delaney picked up 15 points, three rebounds and two steals.

How it happened…

Cal Poly got off to a hot start, going on a 7-2 run to open the game without missing a shot. Fresno State quickly climbed back with a short flurry to take a 10-9 lead with four minutes left in the period. As the rest of the period stayed neck-and-neck, Fresno State finished on top leading 14-12 behind Candice White's four points and two steals. Malia Holt led Cal Poly through the first period with five 5 points.

In the second period, the 'Dogs caught fire. Fresno State jumped out to a nine-point lead within the first two minutes of the period behind a 2-point and 3-point jumper from Jordanna Porter along with a layup from Raven Johnson. The Bulldogs and Mustangs then went back and forth for a few minutes, then Fresno State exploded to go on a 19-2 run in the final five minutes behind an array of layups, free throws and 3s to take a 48-20 lead into the locker room at the half.

Despite the gap on the scoreboard, Cal Poly didn't go down without a fight. Halfway through the third period, the Mustangs began to climb back with a 16-0 run to knock Fresno State's lead down to a 14-point margin at 56-42. Cal Poly ended up controlling the remainder of the period, finishing it on top 24-11. Alicia Roufosse led the Mustangs through the run, notching 12 points and 11 rebounds to that point. White continued leading the Bulldogs by the period's conclusion, piling up 21 points, four steals and three rebounds.

Cal Poly continued to battle, but Fresno State maintained control throughout the remainder of the game, preventing the Mustangs from closing the gap. The closest margin Cal Poly reached was 13, but the 'Dogs stretched the lead in the end to an eventual final score of 76-58.

Team Notes

Fresno State forced 29 turnovers, which led to a total of 36 points.
The Bulldogs ended the first half earning 25 points off turnovers to zero for Cal Poly.
Fresno State finished the game leading the steal column 20-7.
The 'Dogs led the game for a total of 33:53 out of 40 minutes.

Player Notes

Candice White – 25 points, five steals, four rebounds

Shot 10-of-19 from the field on the night
19^th 20-point game of her career (first this season)
Her five steals tied a career high

Bree Delaney – 15 points, three rebounds, two assists

Fifth double-digit scoring game in her career, first time since December 2017
Shot 5-of-8 from the field

Up next

Fresno State will continue its home stand in the second of three games against Milwaukee on Tuesday at 7 p.m. PT at the Save Mart Center. The 'Dogs will conclude their home stand against UT Arlington on Nov. 23 at 5 p.m. PT at the Save Mart Center.

"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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