Behind lights out performances from freshman Ava Marr and sophomore Danae Powell, the Fresno State women’s basketball snapped a two-game losing skid to defeat Chicago State 81-62.
With the win, the Bulldogs improve to 6-5 on the season to finish above .500 in non-conference play. Fresno State made the most of its opportunities beyond the arc, shooting 12-of-27 from three as a team. They made 47.6% of their shots overall and outrebounded the Cougars 46-26.
Key players
Danae Powell (FS): 15 points, 7 assists, 3 steals
Ava Marr (FS): 20 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals
Natalia Williams (CSU): 11 points, 6 rebounds
What happened
The Bulldogs jumped out to a 20-6 lead in the first quarter thanks to threes from Ava Marr (2), Danae Powell and Emilia Long. They also held a 12-3 rebounding advantage over the Cougars, who made just 1-of-13 first quarter field goal attempts.
Powell opened the second period still with a hot hand, draining a three from the top of the kep before going in for an and-one layup a minute later. The next possession, Powell found forward Avery Watkins open under the basket off the in bounds for another easy basket.
Forward Jaisa Gamble followed it up with a pair of layups herself, giving Fresno State a 32-10 lead and forcing a Cougars timeout. Out of the break, Bulldog forward Morelia Chavez banked a three off the right wing to give the ‘Dogs a 26-4 run across eight minutes of play.
Ending the half, Marr nailed a three from the right corner, the 8th-of-14 first half makes from beyond the arc for Fresno State to give them a 45-18 lead at half. The Cougars were held to 4-of-22 (0-4 from 3) from the field in the first half.
Marr opened the second half with another three, her fourth of the game. The Cougars finally showed some life, going on a 13-9 run led by Keona McGee. They had the quarter tied at 19 points apiece until the final possession when Powell found Long open for a layup to give Fresno State a 66-37 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
The Cougars fought back in the fourth quarter but it was too late as Fresno State went on to win 81-62. Marr finished the night with six threes and a career-high of 20 points on 7-of-15 shooting from the field. Powell, Gamble and Long also scored in double figures.
Injury bug
Star forward Ashlyn Rean (leg) is doubtful to return this season. Indiya Clarke (concussion) is considered day-to-day and questionable to play next week.
What’s next
The Bulldogs will host San Diego State to begin Mountain West Conference play on Wednesday, Dec. 17 at the Save Mart Center with tip-off set for 6:30 p.m. The homestand will wrap up next Saturday (Dec. 20) versus Wyoming at 2 p.m.
Fresno State was picked to finish 9th in the conference before the season.
Recap written by Al Scott, cover photo by Ryan Sepulveda (Fresno Sports Magazine)