'Dogs advance to the Finals!

Monday, March 28

Fresno, Calif.

7 p.m. PT

Fresno State

22-13,8-9Mountain West

Southern Utah

23-12,14-6Big Sky

Southern Utah

Fresno St.

Photo by: Samuel Marshall

'Dogs advance to the Finals!

3/28/2022 9:45:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

Fresno State defeated Southern Utah to advance to the championship game of The Basketball Classic, presented by ERACISM.

By: Stephen Trembley / Director of Strategic Communications

FRESNO, Calif. -- The Fresno State men's basketball team defeated the Southern Utah Thunderbirds 67-48 in the semifinals of The Basketball Classic, presented by ERACISM, in THE CLASSIC 4 on Monday night at the Save Mart Center.

Fresno State (22-13) never trailed in the near wire-to-wire victory over the T-Birds, which featured the Bulldogs' stout defense limiting SUU to a season-low 31.1 percent from the field.

Orlando Robinson scored a game-high 20 points on 9-for-15 shooting with seven rebounds and three assists for Fresno State

Fresno State will now travel to Conway, S.C. to battle it out with Coastal Carolina in the championship game of The Basketball Classic on Thursday at 4 p.m. PT.

How it happened: After Fresno State scored the first six points of the game, SUU then scored the next six to even the score at 6-6.

The Bulldogs used a 14-0 run to build a 20-6 lead and led the rest of the way.

Quotes:
Justin Hutson, Fresno State head coach
On the team's offensive execution…
"We moved the ball, took good shots, we had a couple good ones early." (Team's performance)

On knowing Thursday will be the Bulldogs' season finale…
"It is a weird feeling but I'm enjoying the time I'm spending with these young men."

On Orlando Robinson's growth and character…
"Orlando is always going to show up to practice and ready to learn, ready to work hard, he's trying to learn new things and he has supreme confidence."

Orlando Robinson, Fresno State junior forward
"It felt great just being able to perform in front of Fresno, I love Fresno, and just being able to play with my team is a great feeling. Every chance I can go out there with my teammates is a good chance to get better." (Getting pro-ready)

On the opportunity to play for a postseason championship…
"It's very exciting like I said every opportunity to play with my teammates is a blessing." (Playing at the championship game)

Jordan Campbell, Fresno State junior guard
On the Bulldogs' opportunity to play an extra weeks in postseason play…
"We're really excited about it. After the Mountain West Tournament we all thought it was over, so this is an opportunity to play together and show people what we got."

On the great atmosphere at the Save Mart Center…
"We just knew that we were home and we were really excited about what the Red Wave did for us last game and they brought the same energy tonight.

Team Notes:

This was Fresno State's 41st postseason game in its Division I era (since the 1970-71 season).
This is Fresno State's 18th postseason appearance in its Division I era (25th all-time in program history).
This is Fresno State's first postseason appearance since 2017 (first in The Basketball Classic).
This was Fresno State's fourth semifinal postseason appearance in its Division I era (since 1971).
Fresno State will play in its third postseason championship game 1983 - NIT & 2014 - CBI) and seeking its second national postseason tournament title.
With the win, Fresno State improved to 23-18 all-time in postseason play in its Division I era (since the 1970-71 season).
In the game, Fresno State made 50.0 percent of its field goal attempts and shot 52.4 percent from behind the three-point line.
Fresno State had 10+ made three-pointers for the seventh time this season (11 in Monday's semifinal win).

Player Notes:

Orlando Robinson scored in double figures for the 32nd time this season, and the 68th time in his career.
Robinson scored 20+ points for the 17th time this season, and the 25th time in his career.
Jordan Campbell scored in double figures for the 11th time this season, and the 14thtime in his career.
Campbell made three 3-point baskets for the third time this season. The Bulldogs are now 11-2 when Campbell makes a 3-point field goal.
Whitaker made three 3-point baskets for the second time this season.
Isaiah Hill dished a season-high seven assists.

Next up: Fresno State will travel to play at Coastal Carolina on Thursday at 4 p.m. PT in the championship game of The Basketball Classic, presented by ERACISM. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ on the Bulldog Sports 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.