'Dogs visit Broncos on Wednesday

Game 20: Fresno State (8-11, 4-4 MW) vs. Boise State (7-13, 3-6 MW)
Feb. 2, 2022 • 5:30 p.m. PT • Boise, Idaho (Extra Mile Arena)
TV/WEB: Mountain West Network (Matt Norville)
RADIO: Bulldog Sports Network/KRDU 1130AM (Matt Norville)
LIVE STATS: BullodgsLive.com
SERIES HISTORY: Fresno State leads 27-18
LAST MEETING: Fresno State 67, Boise State 64 [1/23/21 – Fresno, Calif.]

THE BREAKDOWN

The Bulldogs and Broncos are set to square off for the first time this season, and only time during regular season.
The Bulldogs have won three of the last four in the series.
The 'Dogs have not traveled to Boise State since Jan. 25, 2020. The 85-80 win snapped a four-game losing streak in Boise.
Fresno State has scored at least 70 points all eight of its wins (8-3).
Fresno State ranks No. 7 nationally in turnovers per game, committing just 11.6 per game.
The Bulldogs rank in the Top 25 nationally in free throw percentage (22nd - 77.3%) and 3-point percentage (24th – 36.1%)
Haley Cavinder is the only player in the only player in the country to rank in the Top 40 in points (19.2), rebounds (10.1) and assists (6.1) per game.
Cavinder has recorded a double-double in seven of eight conference games. Her 11 double-doubles rank 16th nationally.
During the last seven games, Wytalla Motta is averaging 16.9 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, posting four double-doubles.

SEARCHING FOR A STEADY LINEUP

Through a number of unforeseen circumstances, Fresno State has been forced to shuffle its lineup more often than most coaches would like. The Bulldogs began the year with the same starting five for seven games. On Dec. 4 (Game 8), the lineup saw its first change of the year when Wytalla Motta moved into the lineup. A game later, Tamia Stricklin was inserted to the five.

Fresno State used three different lineups during its 11-game nonconference schedule. In eight conference games, the Bulldogs have used four different starting lineups.

EMPHASIZING THE GLASS

During its nonconference schedule, Fresno State struggled to control the glass. In 11 games, the Bulldogs outrebounded their opponents just twice. The 'Dogs were outscored 9.5-5.4 in second chance points. Since beginning conference play, Fresno State is 6-2 in the rebounding battle and are outscoring opponents in second change points, 10.0-9.8.

The Bulldogs are 4-2 in MW play when outrebounding their opponent.
Fresno State is +1.6 in conference in rebounding margin.

LIMITING MISCUES

Coming off two games in which the Bulldogs committed 18 total turnovers, the Bulldogs remain comfortably in the nation's Top 10 in turnovers per game at No. 7, committing 11.6 per contest. The 'Dogs finished each of the last two seasons ranked inside the Top 20 with a high of 16th.

Prior to the 2019-20 season, Fresno State had not finished the season inside the Top 60 and had finished outside the Top 100 three times since the start of the 2014-15 season.

GET TO THE LINE

The charity stripe has been kind to the Bulldogs this season when they have gotten there. The 'Dogs have shot below 70 percent from the line just twice in 19 games while shooting at least 80 percent nine times. Fresno State ranks 23rd in the NCAA in free-throw percentage at 77.3, second in the MW.

While the free throw line has been a benefit when the 'Dogs get there, they don't always get there. In half of their conference games, Fresno State has shot 10 or less attempts.
The Bulldogs are 3-1 in conference when making more free throws than their opponent, yet are 1-3 when then make less.

BECOMING A NORMAL THING

Prior to this year, Fresno State had just two triple-doubles in its 50-plus year history. Both of those came from two-time Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year Bego Faz Davalos. The Mountain West had seen 16 in its history. Haley Cavinder has added three more to both of those lists this season after earning her third of the year against New Mexico on Jan. 22. With that, she became the 20th player in NCAA Division I women's basketball history to record at least three in a single season, and 32nd player to record at least three in a career.

With two in the last four games, Cavinder has seemingly normalized the triple-double this season at Fresno State. Since the start of 2022 (6 games), she is averaging 20.7 points, 11.5 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game, putting fans on triple-double watch when she is on the court.
Cavinder has also had multiple close calls this year, finishing with seven or more assists four times while sitting on a double-double, including last time out (9). At BYU, the junior finished with 10 assists, 9 points and 8 rebounds.

SCOUTING BOISE STATE

Boise State sits at 7-13 on the year, 3-6 in conference play.
While the Broncos are 0-5 on the road in conference, they are 3-1 at home with wins over Colorado State, Utah State and Wyoming. The one blemish was a four-point loss to New Mexico.
Post-oriented, the Broncos strength is on the glass, ranking second in the MW, and 63rd nationally with 40.0 rebounds per game. They are +5.2 per game.
BSU ranks eighth in the MW in scoring, averaging 62.3 points per game and sit ninth in scoring margin at -0.6.
Transfer Dominique Leonidas leads the Broncos in scoring with 11.2 points per game. The senior is two points better in conference play.
Sophomore Abby Muse averages a team-best 7.4 rebounds per game while ranking second on the team in scoring with 9.9 per game. Elodie Lalotte is just behind her at 9.2 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.

"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 visit bulldogfoundation.org.

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'Dogs visit Broncos on Wednesday

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Players Mentioned

Haley Cavinder

Wytalla Motta

Tamia Stricklin

Fresno State Athletics

'Dogs visit Broncos on Wednesday

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Next Event

Players Mentioned

Haley Cavinder

Wytalla Motta

Tamia Stricklin

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