Fresno State Athletics
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/ Men's Basketball
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/ Men's Basketball
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/ Men's Basketball
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/ Men's Basketball
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/ Men's Basketball
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/ Men's Basketball
'Dogs fall to Aggies 72-63 at home
12/30/2025 11:26:00 PM | Men's Basketball
FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno State men's basketball team dropped its Mountain West home opener on Tuesday night, falling 72-63 to Utah State at the Save Mart Center.
The Bulldogs (6-7, 0-2 MW) battled back after a slow start and matched the Aggies point-for-point in the second half, but Utah State's efficiency in transition and on the glass proved to be the difference. Utah State improved to 11-1 overall and 2-0 in conference play.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Utah State used its pressure defense early to create separation, forcing nine Fresno State turnovers in the opening half and converting them into transition points. The Aggies built an early lead behind their activity in the passing lanes and efficiency in the paint, while Fresno State kept pace by attacking inside and getting to the free-throw line.
Despite several strong defensive stops late in the half, the Bulldogs were unable to close the gap before the break. Utah State closed the opening 20 minutes on a 6-0 run, capped by a Kolby King three-pointer in the final minute, to take a 35-26 lead into halftime.
Fresno State showed improved rhythm coming out of the locker room, opening the second half with better ball movement and defensive pressure. Jake Heidbreder knocked down an early three, and the Bulldogs continued to chip away behind Wilson Jacques' work on the glass and finishes around the rim.
The Bulldogs cut the deficit to 10 midway through the half after a Cameron Faas three-pointer and a fast-break layup from Heidbreder, forcing Utah State to call a timeout. Despite the momentum swing, the Aggies answered with a run fueled by points in the paint and transition opportunities, pushing the lead back to double figures.
Fresno State continued to battle down the stretch and briefly pulled within six following a pair of made free throws from Zaon Collins, but Utah State remained composed, scoring on consecutive possessions inside and converting at the free-throw line to hold off the Bulldogs' late push.
NOTES
UP NEXT
The Bulldogs return to the Save Mart Center on January 3rd, hosting Nevada at 4 p.m. PT.
The Bulldogs (6-7, 0-2 MW) battled back after a slow start and matched the Aggies point-for-point in the second half, but Utah State's efficiency in transition and on the glass proved to be the difference. Utah State improved to 11-1 overall and 2-0 in conference play.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Utah State used its pressure defense early to create separation, forcing nine Fresno State turnovers in the opening half and converting them into transition points. The Aggies built an early lead behind their activity in the passing lanes and efficiency in the paint, while Fresno State kept pace by attacking inside and getting to the free-throw line.
Despite several strong defensive stops late in the half, the Bulldogs were unable to close the gap before the break. Utah State closed the opening 20 minutes on a 6-0 run, capped by a Kolby King three-pointer in the final minute, to take a 35-26 lead into halftime.
Fresno State showed improved rhythm coming out of the locker room, opening the second half with better ball movement and defensive pressure. Jake Heidbreder knocked down an early three, and the Bulldogs continued to chip away behind Wilson Jacques' work on the glass and finishes around the rim.
The Bulldogs cut the deficit to 10 midway through the half after a Cameron Faas three-pointer and a fast-break layup from Heidbreder, forcing Utah State to call a timeout. Despite the momentum swing, the Aggies answered with a run fueled by points in the paint and transition opportunities, pushing the lead back to double figures.
Fresno State continued to battle down the stretch and briefly pulled within six following a pair of made free throws from Zaon Collins, but Utah State remained composed, scoring on consecutive possessions inside and converting at the free-throw line to hold off the Bulldogs' late push.
NOTES
- Jake Heidbreder led all scorers for Fresno State with 21 points, knocking down three three-pointers and adding three steals.
- Wilson Jacques recorded a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds while anchoring the paint defensively.
- Bastien Rieber chipped in 12 points and four rebounds, providing a spark off the bench.
- DeShawn Gory added eight points, seven rebounds and three steals.
- Fresno State outscored Utah State 37-37 in the second half after trailing by nine at halftime.
- The Bulldogs forced 20 Utah State turnovers but were outscored 29-16 in fast-break points.
- Fresno State shot 18-of-22 from the free-throw line (81.8 percent).
- The Bulldogs will continue Mountain West play later this week as they look to earn their first conference win of the season.
UP NEXT
The Bulldogs return to the Save Mart Center on January 3rd, hosting Nevada at 4 p.m. PT.
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