Fresno State Athletics
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/ Men's Basketball
'Dogs sweep Summer of Thunder in Bahamas
8/3/2026 6:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball
FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno State men's basketball team has concluded its week-long international tour in Nassau, Bahamas, collecting three wins against professional teams in the Bahamas Basketball Federation.
"I couldn't have asked for a better week for our team. We competed against quality opponents, won all three games, and, more importantly, took significant steps forward as a group," Head Coach Vance Walberg said. "The extra practices, time together and game experience gave our players a chance to grow on the court and build stronger relationships off it. We leave the Bahamas a better basketball team than when we arrived."
Fresno State opened the Summer of Thunder on July 28 against the Commonwealth Bank Giants, a dominant professional basketball club based in Nassau that competes in the New Providence Basketball Association (NPBA). The Bulldogs defeated the Giants 110-69, led by Quinten Rhymes, who scored 24 points on 10-of-15 shooting. Ross Candelino chipped in 21 points, eight rebounds, five steals and two blocks, while Dragos Lungu turned in one of the game's best all-around performances with 14 points, 10 assists, six rebounds and three steals.
The Bulldogs claimed their second win of the week on July 30 against the Caribbean Moonshine Rockets, who recently won the NPBA Division I championship in April 2026. The 130-101 victory was fueled by Candelino, who scored a weekend-best 31 points, knocking down 9-of-12 from beyond the arc while shooting 76.9 percent from the field. KJ Perry added 26 points on 9-of-14 shooting to go along with seven rebounds, seven assists, and four steals, while Roger Fabrega filled the stat sheet with 10 points, 11 assists, nine rebounds, and five steals, finishing just one rebound shy of a triple-double.
The week concluded with a win over the Western Air High Flyers on August 1, also a member of the NPBA Division I, with Fresno State winning 91-67. Candelino's 25-point outing headlined the offense, but Fresno State also got efficient performances from Brian Amuneke, who scored 14 points on 71.4 percent shooting, and Baye Fall, who grabbed a team-best 10 rebounds. Dragos Lungu added 11 points, 11 rebounds and six assists to help pace the Bulldogs.
"It's been a breath of fresh air," Candelino said of playing outside competition. "It's been nice to put it all together and play a full game. The experience of getting to play right now against very good teams is such an advantage for us."
Between games, the Bulldogs had the opportunity to explore the Bahamas, with stops at Bay Street and the Nassau Straw Market, allowing the team to interact with local artisans, browse handmade Bahamian crafts and souvenirs, and immerse themselves in the island's history and traditions. The team also visited Ranfurly Home for Children, where they spent the afternoon hosting a basketball clinic for local kids.
"With so many first-time players, a trip like this really brings us together," said freshman Rylan Parsley. "Not many teams get to go to the Bahamas and play this level of competition. That's bringing us together."
"I couldn't have asked for a better week for our team. We competed against quality opponents, won all three games, and, more importantly, took significant steps forward as a group," Head Coach Vance Walberg said. "The extra practices, time together and game experience gave our players a chance to grow on the court and build stronger relationships off it. We leave the Bahamas a better basketball team than when we arrived."
Fresno State opened the Summer of Thunder on July 28 against the Commonwealth Bank Giants, a dominant professional basketball club based in Nassau that competes in the New Providence Basketball Association (NPBA). The Bulldogs defeated the Giants 110-69, led by Quinten Rhymes, who scored 24 points on 10-of-15 shooting. Ross Candelino chipped in 21 points, eight rebounds, five steals and two blocks, while Dragos Lungu turned in one of the game's best all-around performances with 14 points, 10 assists, six rebounds and three steals.
The Bulldogs claimed their second win of the week on July 30 against the Caribbean Moonshine Rockets, who recently won the NPBA Division I championship in April 2026. The 130-101 victory was fueled by Candelino, who scored a weekend-best 31 points, knocking down 9-of-12 from beyond the arc while shooting 76.9 percent from the field. KJ Perry added 26 points on 9-of-14 shooting to go along with seven rebounds, seven assists, and four steals, while Roger Fabrega filled the stat sheet with 10 points, 11 assists, nine rebounds, and five steals, finishing just one rebound shy of a triple-double.
The week concluded with a win over the Western Air High Flyers on August 1, also a member of the NPBA Division I, with Fresno State winning 91-67. Candelino's 25-point outing headlined the offense, but Fresno State also got efficient performances from Brian Amuneke, who scored 14 points on 71.4 percent shooting, and Baye Fall, who grabbed a team-best 10 rebounds. Dragos Lungu added 11 points, 11 rebounds and six assists to help pace the Bulldogs.
"It's been a breath of fresh air," Candelino said of playing outside competition. "It's been nice to put it all together and play a full game. The experience of getting to play right now against very good teams is such an advantage for us."
Between games, the Bulldogs had the opportunity to explore the Bahamas, with stops at Bay Street and the Nassau Straw Market, allowing the team to interact with local artisans, browse handmade Bahamian crafts and souvenirs, and immerse themselves in the island's history and traditions. The team also visited Ranfurly Home for Children, where they spent the afternoon hosting a basketball clinic for local kids.
"With so many first-time players, a trip like this really brings us together," said freshman Rylan Parsley. "Not many teams get to go to the Bahamas and play this level of competition. That's bringing us together."
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