Robinson, ’Dogs earn sweep of Lobos

Monday, February 28

Fresno, Calif.

7 p.m. PT

Fresno State

18-10,8-7Mountain West

New Mexico

12-18,4-12Mountain West

New Mexico

Fresno St.

Photo by: Samuel Marshall

Robinson, ’Dogs earn sweep of Lobos

2/28/2022 10:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

Fresno State completed its fourth regular season sweep of New Mexico in program history with a 71-68 victory over the Lobos on Monday night.

By: Stephen Trembley / Director of Strategic Communications

FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno State men's basketball team defeated the New Mexico Lobos 71-68 on Monday night at the Save Mart Center.

The win clinches at least a top six finish for Fresno State (18-10, 8-7 Mountain West), who still have a path to potentially earning a bye for next week's Mountain West Championships.

Fresno State junior forward Orlando Robinson scored a game-high 28 points with 10 rebounds for his 24th career double-double (eighth this season) to lead the 'Dogs to a resilient regular season sweep of the UNM (12-18, 4-12 MW).

How it happened: Fresno State's defense held New Mexico to just 22.2 percent shooting (4-for-18) to open the game as the Bulldogs raced out to a 24-12 lead over the Lobos midway through the first half.

Fresno State, who was up 39-31 at halftime, led for all but 16 seconds in the first 28 minutes, but the Lobos used in a 33-21 surge to even the score at 51-51 with 12:24 to play.

UNM then took a 53-51 lead on a Jamal Mashburn field goal shortly therafter and later led 59-54 with seven minutes remaining.

It was a tight battle down the stretch punctuated by Robinson draining the eventual game-winning 3-pointer in the final minute to seal the victory.

Team Notes:

Fresno State improved to 11-4 at home this season.
With the win, Fresno State completed its fourth-ever regular season sweep of New Mexico.
Fresno State now leads the all-time series with New Mexico, 20-17 (overall), which includes a 14-4 record against the Lobos in Fresno (8-3 at the Save Mart Center, including seven straight wins over UNM in those home games).
Fresno State has won its last six games played against New Mexico (eight of its last nine and 11 of 13).
Since joining the MW in 2012, Fresno State improved to 13-9 versus UNM (8-1 in head coach Justin Hutson's tenure).

Quotes:
Justin Hutson, Fresno State head coach
"We're excited to come out here against a really good team, and a really good coaching staff and get a W at home for our fans. Every game is important, we're happy to get a win."

On the energy in the Save Mart Center down the stretch…
"In the last five, six minutes of the game it was a great boost for us, they were loud and proud, I appreciate it."

Orlando Robinson, Fresno State junior forward
"My focus in those last three minutes was really defense. I have fun playing with Isaiah at the top, we play very well together, and we just made that right read and I took the shot with confidence."

Anthony Holland, Fresno State junior guard/forward
"The energy of the crowd helps us stay connected on defense, get these stops and it really helps us."

Next up: Fresno State will play its final two games of the regular season on the road at San Diego State on Thursday and Wyoming on Saturday.

"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.