Fresno State Athletics
Saturday, January 12
Fresno, Calif.
5 p.m. PT
Fresno State
vs
No. 10/11 Nevada
Photo by: Keith Kountz
’Dogs host No. 10/11 Nevada on Saturday
1/11/2019 10:31:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Tickets for Saturday's game start at $15 at the Save Mart Center Box Office.
Game 16: No. 10/11 Nevada (15-1, 2-1 MW) at Fresno State (12-3, 3-0 MW)
Jan. 12, 2019 • 5 p.m. PT • Fresno, Calif. (Save Mart Center)
TV/Online: ESPNU (Steve Quis/Corey Williams)
Radio: 940 AM ESPN (Paul Loeffler/Marc Q. Jones); 1600 AM ESPN Deportes (Jesse Beltran)
Series History: Nevada leads 55-44 (overall) • Fresno State leads 27-21 (games played in Fresno)
Last Meeting: Nevada 102, Fresno State 92 (Reno, Nev. • 1/31/18)
Next Up: at Boise State (Jan. 19 at 2:30 p.m. PT); vs. San Diego State (Jan. 22 at 8 p.m. PT)
Fresno State's NCAA NET Ranking: No. 62 (through games played on Jan. 10, 2019)
Opening Tip
The Fresno State men's basketball team will host the the No. 10/11-ranked Nevada Wolf Pack on Saturday at 5 p.m. PT at the Save Mart Center. The game between Fresno State (12-3, 3-0 Mountain West) and No. 10/11 Nevada (15-1, 2-1 MW) will be broadcast on ESPNU, 940 AM ESPN Radio and 1600 AM ESPN Deportes. Tickets for all remaining home games start at $15. Mini-plans start at $65 by calling 559-278-DOGS.
About the No. 10/11 Nevada Wolf Pack
The No. 10/11-ranked Nevada Wolf Pack are 15-1 on the season, including a 2-1 record in MW play. Nevada is led in scoring by Caleb Martin (18.6 ppg) and Jordan Caroline (18.4 ppg/9.4rpg). The Wolf Pack lead the all-time series 55-44, with Fresno State owning a 27-21 advantage in games played in Fresno. This will be Fresno State's fifth all-time game against Nevada with the Wolf Pack ranked in the AP Top 25 (first since 2007).
Bulldogs seeking 20th win over AP Top 25 team
When the 'Dogs and Wolf Pack meet on Saturday, it will be Fresno State's 90th game against a team ranked in the Associated Press (AP) Top 25. Nevada, who is ranked No. 10 in this week's AP Top 25, will be the highest ranked team to ever play in the Save Mart Center and the highest ranked opponent the Bulldogs have faced since falling at No. 10 San Diego State 68-60 on Jan. 15, 2014. Fresno State is 0-6 all-time against AP Top 25 teams at the Save Mart Center and has not defeated an AP Top 25 team since Feb. 10, 2002 (58-52 vs. No. 14 Oklahoma State). The Bulldogs have lost 20 straight games versus AP Top 25 teams. Fresno State last defeated an AP Top 10 team on Feb. 22, 1996 (71-68 vs. No. 8 Utah). Fresno State is 19-70 all-time against AP Top 25 teams (0-1 this season) and 5-28 all-time against AP Top 10 teams.
Coach Hut in elite company
Fresno State head coach Justin Hutson (Coach Hut) is one of four head coaches in program history (out of 19) to have started his career with at least 12 wins in his first 15 games. Hutson, who is 12-3, joins the elite group of Ed Gregory (13-2), Boyd Grand (13-2) and Ray Lopes (12-3). Gregory (1965-66) and Lopes (2002-03) went on to win conference championships in their first seasons, while Grant is the Bulldogs' all-time winningest head coach (194 wins, 1977-86). Hutson also currently owns the best winningest percentage (.800) of any head coach in program history.
'Dogs build strong resume in nonconference
During nonconference play, Fresno State started building its resume for a potential at-large bid for the NCAA Tournament and NIT by playing a competitive schedule (No. 79 nationally in nonconference strength of schedule). Fresno State handed the Big Ten's Northwestern its first and one of its biggest losses of the season when the Bulldogs crushed the Wildcats 78-59 in the Wooden Legacy. Northwestern's other three losses before January [at Indiana (68-66), vs. then-No. 5 Michigan (62-60) and vs. Oklahoma (76-69 in OT)] were all close games. Seven of Fresno State's nine nonconference wins were by at least 15 points and the Bulldogs also tested themselves on the road at then-No. 21 TCU - a game Fresno State led at halftime before coming up just short of the upset.
Huggins showcasing experience, explosiveness
Fresno State redshirt senior guard Braxton Huggins (Bakersfield, Calif.) returned home to the Valley for his final collegiate season after playing his first three seasons leading New Mexico State to the NCAA Tournament twice and the NIT once. This season, Huggins has emerged as one of the best guards in the MW - ranking third in 3-pointers made (3.3 per game) and scoring (18.9 ppg). He was named to the 2018 Wooden Legacy All-Tournament team for helping lead the Bulldogs to a third-place finish in eight-team field with a 2-1 record, including big wins over Northwestern and Hawai'i and a 2-point loss to the ACC's Miami. Huggins had a career-high 33 points with eight 3-pointers, including the game-winner, in a 78-77 win at Utah State (1/9/19).
Grimes delivering on both ends of the floor
Fresno State junior forward Nate Grimes (Las Vegas, Nev.) currently ranks fifth in the Mountain West in rebounding (8.6 rpg). He has six career double-doubles, including three this season (15 points/14 rebounds in a 21-point win over Long Beach State; 19 points/12 rebounds in a 20-point victory at San Jose State and 17 points/10 rebounds in an 11-point triumph over Colorado State). Grimes also ranks second in the MW in blocks (1.9 bpg). He had a season-high 15 rebounds versus Miami on Nov. 23.
Bittner's 3-point efficiency earning respect
Fresno State senior guard/forward Sam Bittner (Las Vegas, Nev.) is once again one of the nation's most efficient 3-point shooters. This season, Bittner is ranked third in the country in 3-point field goal percentage (55.6 percent, 20-for-36) for players averaging at least one made 3-pointer per team game. Last season, Bittner was 11th in the nation in 3-point field goal efficency (48.1 percent, 39-for-81). Bittner is a former walk-on, who has since earned a scholarship and has consistently improved throughout his four-year career at Fresno State. Bittner started four games (played in 18)as a freshman when the Bulldogs went to the 2016 NCAA Tournament.
Protecting the Yard
Former Fresno State basketball players Paul George (2008-10) and Tyler Johnson (2010-14) are two of the 30 former Bulldogs to have played in the NBA. George is currently in his ninth NBA season and second with the Oklahoma City Thunder after being drafted 10th overall in 2010 by the Indiana Pacers, who he played for from 2010-17. Johnson is in his fifth season with the Miami Heat.
REFERENCE: "Fresno State" (never: FSU, CSUF, Fresno State University, or just simply "Fresno"); ABBREVIATION: Fresno St. or FS
Jan. 12, 2019 • 5 p.m. PT • Fresno, Calif. (Save Mart Center)
TV/Online: ESPNU (Steve Quis/Corey Williams)
Radio: 940 AM ESPN (Paul Loeffler/Marc Q. Jones); 1600 AM ESPN Deportes (Jesse Beltran)
Series History: Nevada leads 55-44 (overall) • Fresno State leads 27-21 (games played in Fresno)
Last Meeting: Nevada 102, Fresno State 92 (Reno, Nev. • 1/31/18)
Next Up: at Boise State (Jan. 19 at 2:30 p.m. PT); vs. San Diego State (Jan. 22 at 8 p.m. PT)
Fresno State's NCAA NET Ranking: No. 62 (through games played on Jan. 10, 2019)
Opening Tip
- First-year Fresno State head coach Justin Hutson is back home in the Valley. Hutson, a Bakersfield native, spent the last 12 seasons (San Diego State and UNLV) as one of the most respected assistant coaches in country.
- Fresno State has won at least 20 games in each of the past three seasons (four of the past five seasons) and joined the Mountain West in 2012..
- Fresno State is projected as a No. 12 seed in the South region in the 2019 NCAA Tournament in ESPN's Joe Lunardi's latest bracketology (Jan. 11).
- Fresno State is the only MW team with a NCAA Quadrant 1 NET road win so far this season. The Bulldogs are 2-2 against Q1 & Q2 teams.
- Fresno State is 3-0 in MW play for the first time in program history and has started conference play 3-0 for the first time since the 2010-11 season.
- Fresno State is seeking its first 4-0 conference start since 2004.
- Fresno State has outscored four autonomy five conference schools (TCU, Northwestern, Miami & Cal) by a combined score of 318-287 (+31) this season.
- Fresno State is 43-3 in its last 46 games when shooting at least 50 percent from the field (5-0 this season). Fresno State senior guard Sam Bittner ranks third in the nation in 3-point field goal percentage (55.6).
- Fresno State has made at least six 3-pointers in every game this season. The Bulldogs are 24-3 in their last 27 games making at least 10 3pt-FGs.
- Fresno State leads the MW in and 3-pointers made (10.1 per game) and 3-point field goal percentage defense (29.4).
- The Bulldogs are also second in the MW in scoring offense (79.3 points per game), scoring defense (66.4 points allowed per game), assists (15.9 per game), steals (7.4 per game), turnover margin (+2.1 per game), 3-point field goal percentage (38.3) and free throw percentage (73.9).
- Fresno State is the only MW team to rank in the top two in both scoring offense (79.3) and scoring defense (66.4).
- Fresno State's three losses have all been to Top 150 NET teams and have been by a total of 14 points (average of 4.7 points; no double-digit losses).
- Fresno State is 10-0 this season when committing fewer turnovers than its opponent. (Last Loss: at New Mexico 95, Fresno State 86 [OT] • 3/3/18)
- Fresno State has led at halftime in 13 of its 15 games this season.
- Fresno State has won 10 of its last 11 games (three-game winning streak).
The Fresno State men's basketball team will host the the No. 10/11-ranked Nevada Wolf Pack on Saturday at 5 p.m. PT at the Save Mart Center. The game between Fresno State (12-3, 3-0 Mountain West) and No. 10/11 Nevada (15-1, 2-1 MW) will be broadcast on ESPNU, 940 AM ESPN Radio and 1600 AM ESPN Deportes. Tickets for all remaining home games start at $15. Mini-plans start at $65 by calling 559-278-DOGS.
About the No. 10/11 Nevada Wolf Pack
The No. 10/11-ranked Nevada Wolf Pack are 15-1 on the season, including a 2-1 record in MW play. Nevada is led in scoring by Caleb Martin (18.6 ppg) and Jordan Caroline (18.4 ppg/9.4rpg). The Wolf Pack lead the all-time series 55-44, with Fresno State owning a 27-21 advantage in games played in Fresno. This will be Fresno State's fifth all-time game against Nevada with the Wolf Pack ranked in the AP Top 25 (first since 2007).
Bulldogs seeking 20th win over AP Top 25 team
When the 'Dogs and Wolf Pack meet on Saturday, it will be Fresno State's 90th game against a team ranked in the Associated Press (AP) Top 25. Nevada, who is ranked No. 10 in this week's AP Top 25, will be the highest ranked team to ever play in the Save Mart Center and the highest ranked opponent the Bulldogs have faced since falling at No. 10 San Diego State 68-60 on Jan. 15, 2014. Fresno State is 0-6 all-time against AP Top 25 teams at the Save Mart Center and has not defeated an AP Top 25 team since Feb. 10, 2002 (58-52 vs. No. 14 Oklahoma State). The Bulldogs have lost 20 straight games versus AP Top 25 teams. Fresno State last defeated an AP Top 10 team on Feb. 22, 1996 (71-68 vs. No. 8 Utah). Fresno State is 19-70 all-time against AP Top 25 teams (0-1 this season) and 5-28 all-time against AP Top 10 teams.
Coach Hut in elite company
Fresno State head coach Justin Hutson (Coach Hut) is one of four head coaches in program history (out of 19) to have started his career with at least 12 wins in his first 15 games. Hutson, who is 12-3, joins the elite group of Ed Gregory (13-2), Boyd Grand (13-2) and Ray Lopes (12-3). Gregory (1965-66) and Lopes (2002-03) went on to win conference championships in their first seasons, while Grant is the Bulldogs' all-time winningest head coach (194 wins, 1977-86). Hutson also currently owns the best winningest percentage (.800) of any head coach in program history.
'Dogs build strong resume in nonconference
During nonconference play, Fresno State started building its resume for a potential at-large bid for the NCAA Tournament and NIT by playing a competitive schedule (No. 79 nationally in nonconference strength of schedule). Fresno State handed the Big Ten's Northwestern its first and one of its biggest losses of the season when the Bulldogs crushed the Wildcats 78-59 in the Wooden Legacy. Northwestern's other three losses before January [at Indiana (68-66), vs. then-No. 5 Michigan (62-60) and vs. Oklahoma (76-69 in OT)] were all close games. Seven of Fresno State's nine nonconference wins were by at least 15 points and the Bulldogs also tested themselves on the road at then-No. 21 TCU - a game Fresno State led at halftime before coming up just short of the upset.
Huggins showcasing experience, explosiveness
Fresno State redshirt senior guard Braxton Huggins (Bakersfield, Calif.) returned home to the Valley for his final collegiate season after playing his first three seasons leading New Mexico State to the NCAA Tournament twice and the NIT once. This season, Huggins has emerged as one of the best guards in the MW - ranking third in 3-pointers made (3.3 per game) and scoring (18.9 ppg). He was named to the 2018 Wooden Legacy All-Tournament team for helping lead the Bulldogs to a third-place finish in eight-team field with a 2-1 record, including big wins over Northwestern and Hawai'i and a 2-point loss to the ACC's Miami. Huggins had a career-high 33 points with eight 3-pointers, including the game-winner, in a 78-77 win at Utah State (1/9/19).
Grimes delivering on both ends of the floor
Fresno State junior forward Nate Grimes (Las Vegas, Nev.) currently ranks fifth in the Mountain West in rebounding (8.6 rpg). He has six career double-doubles, including three this season (15 points/14 rebounds in a 21-point win over Long Beach State; 19 points/12 rebounds in a 20-point victory at San Jose State and 17 points/10 rebounds in an 11-point triumph over Colorado State). Grimes also ranks second in the MW in blocks (1.9 bpg). He had a season-high 15 rebounds versus Miami on Nov. 23.
Bittner's 3-point efficiency earning respect
Fresno State senior guard/forward Sam Bittner (Las Vegas, Nev.) is once again one of the nation's most efficient 3-point shooters. This season, Bittner is ranked third in the country in 3-point field goal percentage (55.6 percent, 20-for-36) for players averaging at least one made 3-pointer per team game. Last season, Bittner was 11th in the nation in 3-point field goal efficency (48.1 percent, 39-for-81). Bittner is a former walk-on, who has since earned a scholarship and has consistently improved throughout his four-year career at Fresno State. Bittner started four games (played in 18)as a freshman when the Bulldogs went to the 2016 NCAA Tournament.
Protecting the Yard
- Fresno State is 60-13 overall at home since the start of the 2014-15 season, including a 29-7 record against Mountain West opponents in that stretch.
- Fresno State is 49-10 overall at home since the start of the 2015-16 season.
- Fresno State has won 22 of its last 27 home games when playing a Mountain West opponent.
- Fresno State is 176-75 (70.1 percent) all-time at the Save Mart Center.
Former Fresno State basketball players Paul George (2008-10) and Tyler Johnson (2010-14) are two of the 30 former Bulldogs to have played in the NBA. George is currently in his ninth NBA season and second with the Oklahoma City Thunder after being drafted 10th overall in 2010 by the Indiana Pacers, who he played for from 2010-17. Johnson is in his fifth season with the Miami Heat.
REFERENCE: "Fresno State" (never: FSU, CSUF, Fresno State University, or just simply "Fresno"); ABBREVIATION: Fresno St. or FS
Players Mentioned
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