Can the Fresno State Bulldogs Outmaneuver the Aztecs at Viejas Arena?
As the Fresno State Bulldogs prepare to face off against the San Diego State Aztecs at Viejas Arena, fans are eager to see if their team can carry forward their momentum from recent games. The Bulldogs have shown a mix of resilience and areas for improvement that could be pivotal in their upcoming encounter.
In their last game on December 30, FRES edged out a victory against the Toreros with a final score of 71-67. The second half saw an impressive surge from FRES, racking up 45 points compared to just 26 in the first. Their ability to ramp up performance after halftime is commendable and could be crucial when facing SDSU. Dominating inside, they scored 44 points in the paint and grabbed an impressive total of 45 rebounds. However, three-point shooting was lackluster at just 14 percent, which is something they'll need to address before taking on SDSU.
Previously on December 23, FRES fell short against San Francisco Dons with a score of 57-77. Despite shooting well from two-point range (63 percent), turnovers were a glaring issue as they gave up possession 18 times leading to SF scoring multiple points off these turnovers.
The overtime thriller against Portland State Vikings on December 19 showcased FRES's tenacity as they narrowly lost by three points (72-75). They fought hard throughout regulation and into overtime but ultimately couldn't secure enough baskets from beyond the arc or capitalize fully on turnovers.
Looking ahead to January 3rd's game against SDSU, it's clear that FRES needs to tighten up its perimeter defense and improve its assists-to-turnover ratio which stood at just above average in previous games. If they can leverage their strong inside presence while also shoring up weaknesses seen in past performances—particularly enhancing three-point efficiency—they stand a good chance of coming away with a win.
The Bulldogs' fans should look for improvements in ball handling and shot selection if they want their team to emerge victorious over SDSU. With consistent execution and strategic adjustments based on past outings, there's potential for an upset even away from home soil.
Mark your calendars for January 3rd at Viejas Arena where tip-off is set for 7:30 PM local time. Fans won't want to miss this showdown broadcasted nationally on Fox Sports channel number two hundred nineteen; it promises all the excitement basketball has become known for!