As the Fresno State Bulldogs prepare for their upcoming clash against the Wyoming Cowboys at the Thomas & Mack Center, fans are bracing for what promises to be a riveting encounter. The Bulldogs have had a tumultuous season, and their performance in recent games has been a mixed bag of highs and lows.

Jan 31, 2023; Laramie, Wyoming, USA; Wyoming Cowboys guard Hunter Maldonado (24) dribbles against the Fresno State Bulldogs during the second half at Arena-Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports

In their last meeting on March 10, 2024, at the Save Mart Center, Fresno faced off against these very same Cowboys. Despite a valiant effort and an impressive display of fast-break points totaling 12, they fell short with only 47 points to Wyoming's commanding 86. The Bulldogs' field goal percentage was just 29 percent compared to the Cowboys' robust 57 percent. Furthermore, FRES struggled from beyond the arc hitting only five out of sixteen attempts which translated into a mere 31 percent three-point shooting rate.

The statistics from that game paint a clear picture: FRES needs to tighten up their defense and improve shot selection if they hope to emerge victorious in Las Vegas. Their two-point field goal percentage was particularly concerning at just 28 percent; this is an area where significant improvement is needed.

Jan 31, 2023; Laramie, Wyoming, USA; Wyoming Cowboys guard Noah Reynolds (21) has his shot blocked by Fresno State Bulldogs guard Jordan Campbell (5) during the second half at Arena-Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports

Looking back further into the season provides additional context for FRES's current predicament. On March 7th against New Mexico Lobos in Albuquerque, they were outrebounded significantly—35 rebounds for FRES versus an overwhelming 54 for UNM—and lost by a wide margin of points (58-79). This rebounding deficit has been indicative of larger issues within the team’s interior play throughout several games.

However, it's not all doom and gloom for Bulldog fans. In Reno on March 2nd against Nevada Wolf Pack, despite another loss (66-74), there were signs of life as FRES managed better shooting from inside with a two-point field goal percentage at an improved rate of 52 percent. They also showed tenacity by generating points off turnovers—16 in total—which could be key against WYO if they can force mistakes again.

Jan 31, 2023; Laramie, Wyoming, USA; Wyoming Cowboys guard Noah Reynolds (21) dribbles the ball against the Fresno State Bulldogs during the second half against at Arena-Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports

The upcoming game will undoubtedly hinge on whether or not Fresno State can capitalize on these glimmers of potential while addressing weaknesses exposed in past performances. With strategic adjustments and focused execution on both ends of the court—particularly improving their shot efficiency—the Bulldogs could very well surprise critics who have pegged them as underdogs following recent setbacks.

Bulldog supporters should mark their calendars for March 13th at precisely eleven o'clock AM when these two teams face off once more; this time around it will be under bright lights away from home turf in Las Vegas’ Thomas & Mack Center. Fans unable to attend can catch all action live via internet broadcast on MW Network—a chance no ardent follower should miss as Fresno State looks to rewrite its narrative with what could be an unexpected victory over Wyoming Cowboys.

NCAAMB - Opinion

Will UTSA Roadrunners' Paint Dominance Overwhelm Temple Owls?

Sam Houston Bearkats Set to Clash with Florida International Panthers at Von Braun Center

Air Force Falcons Set to Soar Against New Mexico Lobos in Las Vegas Showdown

Can Syracuse Orange Rebound Against NC State Wolfpack at Capital One?

Arkansas Razorbacks Set to Battle Vanderbilt Commodores in Nashville Showdown

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Eye Redemption Against Maryland Terrapins at Target Center

Can Notre Dame Fighting Irish Outmaneuver Wake Forest Demon Deacons in Capital One Arena?

Can Washington Huskies Outmaneuver USC Trojans at T-Mobile Arena?

TCU Horned Frogs to Lock Horns with Oklahoma Sooners in Kansas City

San Jose State Spartans Set to Challenge Colorado State Rams in Vegas Showdown

UCLA Bruins Set to Clash with Oregon State Beavers in Las Vegas Showdown

Fresno State Bulldogs Set to Tangle with Wyoming Cowboys in Las Vegas Duel

UCF Knights Set to Clash with BYU Cougars in Kansas City Showdown

USC Trojans Set to Clash with Washington Huskies at T-Mobile Arena

Oklahoma Sooners Eye Redemption Against TCU Horned Frogs in Kansas City Showdown

Wake Forest Demon Deacons Set to Challenge Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Capital One Arena

Temple Owls Eye Victory Over UTSA Roadrunners in Forthcoming Fort Worth Faceoff

Virginia Tech Hokies Set to Battle Florida State Seminoles in Capital Showdown

Wyoming Cowboys Set to Dominate Fresno State Bulldogs at Thomas & Mack Center

Can BYU Cougars Outmaneuver UCF Knights in the Heart of America?

Can Rice Owls Upset Wichita State Shockers in Forthcoming Clash?