The ‘Dogs Entering:
The Bulldogs limp home after a road loss in Boise at the hands of the Broncos 84-72. Kevin Bell had 21 points and Eddie Miller had 16. The Bulldogs were plagued by 16 turnovers and were unable to defend the inside presence of Reggie Larry and Matt Nelson.
The Broncos shot 53.8% from the field and dominated in the paint. BSU had frequent easy buckets and were not challenged around the rim. FSU was able to cut the lead late in the second half but it was too little to late as they were again overpowered and unable to get the necessary stops.
Kevin Bell continues to lead the way with his 17.7 points and six assists per game. He has been turnover plagued over the last few games as opposing defenses have collapsed on his penetration and keyed to stopping him every possession. Eddie Miller has made 91 threes to this point and is looking to climb the WAC record books in this category. He is averaging 15 points per contest.
Hawaii Entering:
The Warriors enter after a big home victory versus Utah State and continue on their recent tear. They rode an extremely balanced attack on the way to victory with five players in double figure scoring, led by Matt Gibson’s and Riley Luettgerodt’s 16 each. They also combined for eight assists and nine steals. The Warriors were able to force USU into 20 turnovers.
Key Warrior Stats:
Matt Gibson (16.9 ppg, 5 apg)
Bobby Nash (14.5 ppg, 35.8% 3pt fg, 86.7% fts)
44.8% Field Goals
33.8% from three
73.9% Free throws
Rebounding margin of -3
70.8 Points per versus 70.9 opponents
Outscored opponents in the 2nd half
What to Expect:
This is a pivotal game for Fresno State and one that may be their last chance to lay the foundation and build the confidence necessary to make a run in the WAC tournament. A loss here could be the final setback that does the ‘Dogs in.
FS must come out with energy, especially on the defensive end. Defending he flex cuts of the Warriors will be the key to holding their own tonight. Eddie Miller will need to be on, and Kevin Bell will need to be his rock solid self and put his last two games in the past.
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