Fresno State Athletics
Saturday, January 16
Fresno, CA
2 P.M. PT
Fresno State
6-5 (4-2MW)
75
vs
61
Nevada
5-6 (1-5MW)
1
2
3
4
F
Nevada
15
13
22
11
61
Fresno State
24
15
13
23
75
Photo by: Samuel Marshall
'Dogs secure sweep over Wolf Pack with 14-point win
1/16/2021 6:26:00 PM | Women's Basketball
FRESNO, Calif. – With Fresno State clinging to a one-point lead early in the fourth quarter after Nevada stormed back in the third, the Bulldogs clamped down and strung together 16 unanswered points to secure their first conference series sweep of the season, topping the Wolf Pack 75-61 on Saturday afternoon at the Save Mart Center.
For the fourth game this season, Aly Gamez, Maddi Utti, and Haley and Hanna Cavinder each reached double figures. Hanna had a game-high 21 points while Gamez chipped in 12 of her 18 points in the second half. Haley added 11 points, eight rebounds and five assists while Utti posted her third straight double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds to go with six assists.
Key Stat
After only eight points on seven Nevada turnovers in the first half, Fresno State capitalized more on the Wolf Pack's miscues in the second half, turning eight into 14 points. The Bulldogs held a 22-10 advantage in points off turnovers after being minus-14 in the category on Thursday.
How It Happened
The Bulldogs came out firing, knocking down their first five shots of the afternoon. The fast start helped them get out to a 24-15 lead through one. Unlike the opening period, Fresno State struggled to get its shots to fall early in the second, missing on its first seven attempts. The Wolf Pack, though, could only get within five. The 'Dogs kept them at arm's length the remainder of the half. Late buckets from Utti and Gamez gave Fresno State a 39-28 lead after 20 minutes.
While the third quarter was key for the 'Dogs on Thursday night, Nevada struck in the period on the Saturday. After a layup from Brooke Walling with 8:14 on the clock gave the Bulldogs their largest lead to that point at 13, Fresno State went nearly four minutes without scoring. The Wolf Pack took advantage of four straight missed shots and a pair of Bulldog turnovers with a 12-0 run to pull within one at 43-42. Each time Nevada looked to have a chance to grab the lead, though, Fresno State had an answer, never relinquishing its lead.
With eight minutes remaining in the game, and the 'Dogs still maintaining a one-point advantage, Fresno State turned up its energy on the defensive end, forcing four turnovers and seven missed shots during the next five minutes. Defense turned into offense as the Bulldogs went on a 19-2 run aided by three 3-pointers from Gamez and another six points from Hanna Cavinder to put the game away.
Team Notes
Hanna Cavinder - 21 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
Head Coach Jaime White
Opening Statement…
"I thought we started off the game a little bit better than last time and had a nice first quarter. We started off the game the right way. I was happy with our rebounding in the first half, that was something we really talked about. Nevada brought everything they had too to make the game close, cut it within one point early in the fourth quarter. Our fourth quarter was pretty solid, outscored them 23-11, pretty good finish to a game. The score got close and it didn't need to. I thought Nevada did a good job with their press and hit some jumpers. They shot 41 percent from the field and shot better free throws and we knew that was going to happen. All of our starters had good performances, proud of our team and that is the first sweep that we have gotten which is really important in this league this year, happy we
could do that and get focused on next week."
On four players reaching double figures….
"Good teams have four players scoring in double digits. We know that the assists are a big part of that and I think we shared the ball and broke the press. Bree (Delaney) came in and was able to break the press. I think we are having some key subs to add to that nucleus and that is really important, especially in the post where there is so much physicality and banging and running so that is nice to be able to have too. In this environment, we really need our whole team, we need everybody and need them in practice more than anything. That was my message after the game, let's have a great week of practice and be ready for next week."
Senior guard Aly Gamez
On the team gaining confidence with a pair of wins over Nevada…
"I think it was huge for us. This is our first time sweeping and we have talked about it a lot within our team about how we need to come out and play and not drop games that we have dropped already so I think it is a big confidence boost for us."
On looking ahead to competing against Boise State next week…
"We want to beat them and they want to beat us every year. It is always a close game, it's always physical and is always a fun environment."
Sophomore guard Hanna Cavinder
On completing the first Mountain West season sweep of the season…
"We have been talking about it a lot, we let a few games go, and just wanted to get the sweep. It is hard playing back-to-back games, playing a lot of minutes. I think that with everyone coming off the bench, helping us, giving us that lift, even if it does not fill up the stat sheet, it does more than it looks like."
On looking forward to Boise State…
"I wish we could get them with our fans here because that would be like a sixth man, but I am very excited for them to come and have that rivalry, it's going to be very fun."
Next Up
Fresno State will remain at home, hosting Boise State next week at the Save Mart Center. The two-game series with the Broncos begins Thursday with a 6 p.m. PT tipoff on the Mountain West Network.
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please call 559-278-7160.
Follow us on:
Twitter: @FresnoStateWBB
Instagram: fresnostwbb
Facebook: FresnoStateAthletics
For the fourth game this season, Aly Gamez, Maddi Utti, and Haley and Hanna Cavinder each reached double figures. Hanna had a game-high 21 points while Gamez chipped in 12 of her 18 points in the second half. Haley added 11 points, eight rebounds and five assists while Utti posted her third straight double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds to go with six assists.
Key Stat
After only eight points on seven Nevada turnovers in the first half, Fresno State capitalized more on the Wolf Pack's miscues in the second half, turning eight into 14 points. The Bulldogs held a 22-10 advantage in points off turnovers after being minus-14 in the category on Thursday.
How It Happened
The Bulldogs came out firing, knocking down their first five shots of the afternoon. The fast start helped them get out to a 24-15 lead through one. Unlike the opening period, Fresno State struggled to get its shots to fall early in the second, missing on its first seven attempts. The Wolf Pack, though, could only get within five. The 'Dogs kept them at arm's length the remainder of the half. Late buckets from Utti and Gamez gave Fresno State a 39-28 lead after 20 minutes.
While the third quarter was key for the 'Dogs on Thursday night, Nevada struck in the period on the Saturday. After a layup from Brooke Walling with 8:14 on the clock gave the Bulldogs their largest lead to that point at 13, Fresno State went nearly four minutes without scoring. The Wolf Pack took advantage of four straight missed shots and a pair of Bulldog turnovers with a 12-0 run to pull within one at 43-42. Each time Nevada looked to have a chance to grab the lead, though, Fresno State had an answer, never relinquishing its lead.
With eight minutes remaining in the game, and the 'Dogs still maintaining a one-point advantage, Fresno State turned up its energy on the defensive end, forcing four turnovers and seven missed shots during the next five minutes. Defense turned into offense as the Bulldogs went on a 19-2 run aided by three 3-pointers from Gamez and another six points from Hanna Cavinder to put the game away.
Team Notes
- Fresno State moved to 6-5 overall, 4-2 in Mountain West play.
- It was the 'Dogs fourth-straight win over Nevada.
- Fresno State moved to 4-0 this season when outrebounding its opponent after holding a differential of plus-two on Saturday (37-34).
- The Bulldogs improve to 4-0 this year and 13-1 since the start of 2019-20 season when the Cavinder twins, Utti and Gamez all score in double figures.
- Fresno State held Nevada without a made 3-pointer, the first time an opponent hadn't made a 3 since Montana on Nov. 15, 2019.
- The Bulldogs moved to 6-0 when shooting above 44 percent from the field.
Hanna Cavinder - 21 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
- Has reached double-figures in all 11 games this season.
- Led the team in scoring for the sixth time this season.
- Fourth game this season scoring 20 or more points.
- Sixth game of the season in double figures.
- Hit a season-high three 3-pointers.
- Third-straight double-double.
- 25th career double-double.
- Set season-high with 12 rebounds.
- Fourth consecutive game with double-digit rebounds.
- Has reached double figures in all 11 games this season.
- Sixth game of the season with eight or more rebounds.
- Third game with at least five assists.
- Tied a season high with three steals, third time this year.
Head Coach Jaime White
Opening Statement…
"I thought we started off the game a little bit better than last time and had a nice first quarter. We started off the game the right way. I was happy with our rebounding in the first half, that was something we really talked about. Nevada brought everything they had too to make the game close, cut it within one point early in the fourth quarter. Our fourth quarter was pretty solid, outscored them 23-11, pretty good finish to a game. The score got close and it didn't need to. I thought Nevada did a good job with their press and hit some jumpers. They shot 41 percent from the field and shot better free throws and we knew that was going to happen. All of our starters had good performances, proud of our team and that is the first sweep that we have gotten which is really important in this league this year, happy we
could do that and get focused on next week."
On four players reaching double figures….
"Good teams have four players scoring in double digits. We know that the assists are a big part of that and I think we shared the ball and broke the press. Bree (Delaney) came in and was able to break the press. I think we are having some key subs to add to that nucleus and that is really important, especially in the post where there is so much physicality and banging and running so that is nice to be able to have too. In this environment, we really need our whole team, we need everybody and need them in practice more than anything. That was my message after the game, let's have a great week of practice and be ready for next week."
Senior guard Aly Gamez
On the team gaining confidence with a pair of wins over Nevada…
"I think it was huge for us. This is our first time sweeping and we have talked about it a lot within our team about how we need to come out and play and not drop games that we have dropped already so I think it is a big confidence boost for us."
On looking ahead to competing against Boise State next week…
"We want to beat them and they want to beat us every year. It is always a close game, it's always physical and is always a fun environment."
Sophomore guard Hanna Cavinder
On completing the first Mountain West season sweep of the season…
"We have been talking about it a lot, we let a few games go, and just wanted to get the sweep. It is hard playing back-to-back games, playing a lot of minutes. I think that with everyone coming off the bench, helping us, giving us that lift, even if it does not fill up the stat sheet, it does more than it looks like."
On looking forward to Boise State…
"I wish we could get them with our fans here because that would be like a sixth man, but I am very excited for them to come and have that rivalry, it's going to be very fun."
Next Up
Fresno State will remain at home, hosting Boise State next week at the Save Mart Center. The two-game series with the Broncos begins Thursday with a 6 p.m. PT tipoff on the Mountain West Network.
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please call 559-278-7160.
Follow us on:
Twitter: @FresnoStateWBB
Instagram: fresnostwbb
Facebook: FresnoStateAthletics
Team Stats
NEV
FS
FG%
.417
.476
3FG%
.000
.250
FT%
.786
.714
RB
34
37
TO
15
14
STL
7
7
Game Leaders
Scoring
Pts
21
FGM
9
3FGM
0
FTM
3
Pts
12
FGM
5
3FGM
0
FTM
2
Pts
11
FGM
5
3FGM
1
FTM
0
Players Mentioned
G
/ Women's BasketballG
/ Women's BasketballF
/ Women's Basketball
C
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