Fresno State Bulldogs Narrowly Edged by Nevada Wolf Pack at Save Mart Center
The Fresno State Bulldogs faced a tough challenge against the Nevada Wolf Pack, concluding with a 60-56 scoreline. The Bulldogs now hold a record of 0-1, while the Wolf Pack improved to 1-0.
In an intense conference game at the Save Mart Center, witnessed by 5,107 fans, the Fresno State Bulldogs fell just short against their rivals. Despite a strong start that saw them leading with 30 points in the first half compared to Nevada's 34, they couldn't maintain their momentum and both teams ended up adding another 26 points each in the second half.
The Bulldogs showcased resilience on defense with two blocks and seven steals but were outdone by Nevada's more aggressive defense which resulted in twelve steals and one block. Offensively, Fresno State was efficient from close range with an impressive two-point field goal percentage of 57 percent but struggled beyond the arc making only nine out of thirty-five three-point attempts for a modest three-point percentage of around 26 percent.
Nevada’s offense capitalized on turnovers scoring eighteen points off turnovers compared to ten by Fresno State. The Wolf Pack also had better ball distribution ending the game with thirteen assists while maintaining fewer turnovers than their opponents.
Although Fresno State made all five free throw attempts achieving a perfect free throw percentage of one hundred percent, it wasn't enough to overcome Nevada's nine successful free throws from thirteen attempts (69 percent). The home team did manage to out-rebound Nevada grabbing thirty-two rebounds including nine offensive boards contributing to nine second-chance points.
One area where both teams were evenly matched was in lead changes and times tied during the match; there were eleven lead changes and six instances where scores were level reflecting how closely contested this matchup was throughout its duration.
Looking ahead for Fresno State fans, their team will travel next to face off against New Mexico Lobos at The Pit in Albuquerque on March first at eight-thirty PM Pacific Time. This upcoming game can be watched nationally on Fox Sports one channel two hundred nineteen.