'Dogs drop shootout in Utah

Wednesday, March 2

Logan, UT

5 P.M. PT

Fresno State

11-17,7-10Mountain West

Utah State

10-18,5-13Mountain West

OT 1

Fresno St.

Utah St.

Photo by: Samuel Marshall

'Dogs drop shootout in Utah

3/2/2022 11:53:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

By: Josh Mitchell / Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

LOGAN, Utah – In a high-scoring game that saw 102 combined points during the second and third quarters, Fresno State was caught in the final minutes of regulation at Utah State before falling 96-90 in overtime on Wednesday night at Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. Despite making five more field goals and dominating the paint (+20), the Bulldogs were outscored by 14 at the free throw line.

Haley Cavinder led the Bulldogs with a game-high 27 points on 12-of-23 shooting. Playing all 45 minutes, Hanna Cavinder was seemingly everywhere, posting 20 points, seven assists, five steals and three rebounds. Imani Lacy and Wytalla Motta each chipped in 11 points while Motta added 11 rebounds for her sixth double-double of the season. Utah State also had four players in double figures, led by Adryana Quezada's 22 points.

How It Happened
With 1:36 to play, leading 81-77, Haley Cavinder drove the left side of the lane in transition into contact looking to go the line at worst. The result of the play was a loose ball that the Aggies took the other way and scored on. A minute later, USU leveled the game at the line. Haley had a last chance at the buzzer with a jumper from just inside the arc but it caught the back of the rim.

Utah State opened overtime with seven unanswered. The Bulldogs could only get back to as close as two within in the final 66 seconds.

Team Notes

Fresno State shot over 50 percent from the field for the second straight game. It was only the second time this season the 'Dogs had done that.
The Bulldogs outscored Utah State 56-36 in the paint. The 56 points were the most paint points for Fresno State in a game this season.
The 'Dogs were outscored by 14 (21-7) at the free throw line and were outshot at the line by 17 (28-11). Both were the fourth-largest margins this season with Fresno State going 0-4 in those games.
Fresno State has lost its last five regular-season finales. The Bulldogs are a combined 8-5 in the Mountain West tournament following a loss in the final game, reaching the championship game three times.

Player Notes

With the regular season concluded, Haley Cavinder became the third player in Mountain West history to lead the league in scoring and rebounding in conference play. She finished the 17-game schedule averaging 20.8 points and 9.9 rebounds per game.
Haley passed Wendy Martell for No. 5 on Fresno State's all-time scoring list with 1,618 points.
Haley is 28 points back of Lindsay Logan who sits in fourth.
Hanna Cavinder recorded her second straight 20-point game.
Hanna dished out a season-high seven assists.
Wytalla Motta recorded her sixth double-double in conference play with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Imani Lacy posted her second double-figure game of the year, scoring 11 points.

Up Next
Fresno State and Utah State will face-off for a second time in five days when they meet Sunday in the first round of the Mountain West tournament at the Thomas & Mack Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. PT and will air 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 visit bulldogfoundation.org.

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