Efficient shooting propels 'Dogs on Senior Day

Saturday, February 26

Fresno, CA

2 P.M. PT

Fresno State

11-16,7-9Mountain West

Air Force

16-12,10-7Mountain West

Air Force

Fresno St.

Efficient shooting propels 'Dogs on Senior Day

2/26/2022 9:44:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

By: Josh Mitchell / Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

FRESNO, Calif. – Missing just five shots in the second half (16-of-21), Fresno State overcame a four-point halftime deficit to knock off Air Force 75-67 on Senior Day at the Save Mart Center. It was the Bulldogs' second win over top-five team in the Mountain West standings this week.

The hot shooting performance that saw Fresno State connect at a 59.5 percent clip (25-of-42) for the game, and 56.3 percent from 3 (9-of-16), helped the 'Dogs overcome a 22-2 disadvantage on points off turnovers against an aggressive Falcon defense that forced them into 19 turnovers, their second-most this season only to the 22 that the Falcons forced last month.

Haley Cavinder poured in 22 points with 16 of those coming in the second half. Hanna Cavinder joined her with 20 points on 7-of-11 shooting. Amiee Book came off the bench to go 4-of-5 from 3 and add 12 points.

How It Happened
Trailing for the better part of 18 minutes through the middle of the game, Amiee Book dropped in a 3-pointer with 5:43 to give the 'Dogs their first lead since midway through the second quarter at 58-57. Riley Synder answered with one at the other end but Hanna Cavinder countered with a free look at the top of the key. The 3-pointer triggered a 7-0 run in a 60 seconds and forced a timeout from Air Force as Fresno State led 67-60 with 4:07 on the clock.

A layup from Wytalla Motta inside two minutes remaining, and six free throws from Haley Cavinder kept the Falcons at bay. Haley finished the fourth quarter with 12 of her 22 points.

Team Notes

Fresno State shot season highs of 59.5 percent from the field and 56.3 percent from 3.
The last time the Bulldogs shot better than 59.5 percent from the field was Nov. 28, 2020 versus Lamar (60.3%).
The 'Dogs last shot better than 56.3 percent from 3 was on Dec. 12, 2018 versus Santa Clara (63.6%). Air Force entered the game holding opponents to a league-low 27.2 percent from 3.
Fresno State shot 76.2 percent in the second half (16-of-21).
The 'Dogs moved to 5-2 in conference play when outrebounding their opponent (31-21).

Player Notes

Haley Cavinder posted her 15^th 20-point game this season with 22 points. She is four points shy of Wendy Martell who sits fifth on the all-time scoring list.
Haley's nine rebounds moved her up to 10^th all-time at Fresno State with 704, passing Simone Srubek.
Haley registered her third game of the year with double digit made free throws, and second in the last three games, converting 10-of-10 on the day.
Hanna Cavinder recorded her seventh 20-point game of the year.
Amiee Book knocked down at least four 3-pointers for the fifth time this season, and second time in as many games, going 4-of-5 from beyond the arc.

Up Next
Fresno State will close out its season on Wednesday at Utah State. Tipoff is slated for 5 p.m. PT at Dee Glen Smith Spectrum.

"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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