The Fresno State men’s basketball team (9-9) earned their third conference win and improve to 3-4 in conference play following a 63-60 win over the University of Wyoming (11-7) at the Save Mart Center on Jan. 17
Despite an off-game from the Bulldogs’ leading scorer guard Jake Heidbreder, the ‘Dogs got contributions from other players such as guard David Douglas Jr.—who credited the energy to the Red Wave.
“It really gives us a home court advantage having the crowd bring the energy when you’re kind of tired,” Douglas Jr. said. “When you’re kind of tired, it just gives you that extra little push and momentum.”
Heidbreder didn’t make a field goal until early into the second half, which Head Coach Vance Walberg attributed to the stout defense from the Cowboys.
“[Wyoming] is a very good defensive team, and as you see, it was a pretty physical game.” Walberg said. “He came here to be a person who’s going to be one of the guys—the big shot on the team—and that’s what he came for.”
Key players
Deshawn Gory (FS): 13 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal
David Douglas Jr. (FS): 13 points (3-9FG, 2-7 3FG, 5-6 FT)
DJ Stickman (FS): 7 points, 2 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 15 +/- (team high)
Leland Walker (UW): 17 points, 4 rebounds, 1 block
Nasir Meyer (UW): 13 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals
What happened
The Cowboys opened the first half with a 7-0 run sparked by their leading scorer guard Leland Walker (14.2 ppg), who went 3-3 from beyond-the-arc in the opening minutes. However, the Bulldogs—who rank third in pace in the Mountain West (MW)— responded with urgency and timely cuts to chip at the 13-9 Cowboy lead.
The Bulldogs kept their foot on the pedal, holding the Cowboys to a six minute scoring drought, and going on a 6-0 run as a result—but still trail 16-15. Even so, the Bulldogs fought back for their first lead of the game following a three-pointer from guard David Douglas Jr, making it 20-18 in favor of the ‘Dogs.
To close out the half, the Bulldogs lost the lead following a 7-0 Cowboy run, but after a three-pointer from guard Cameron Faas the ‘Dogs entered halftime down 27-26.
After one half, Douglas Jr. leads all scorers with eight points (3-6 FG, 2-5 3FG), followed by Cowboy guards Walker and Nasir Meyer, who both have seven points. Also, the Cowboys—who rank fourth in three-pointers made (8.4) and sixth in three-point percentage (34.3%) in the MW—shot 5-11 (45.5%) from three-point range and were on pace to exceed their season averages.
In contrast, the Bulldogs shot 3-12 (25%) from beyond-the-arc, the lone shot makers being Douglas Jr. and Faas (1-2 3FG)—with guard Jake Heidbreder still yet to attempt a three or make a field goal. Despite the poor three-point shooting, the Bulldogs got scoring contributions from seven different players inside the three-point line.
The Cowboys come out of halftime in a groove on offense, taking back the lead, but after Heidbeder’s first field goal make and an and-one, the ‘Dogs tie the game 37-37.
Following the Heidbreder baskets, both teams continued to exchange the lead—with the Bulldogs led by forward Deshawn Gory with 13 points, and the Cowboys led by Walker with 15 points as the game was tied once again 58-58 with two minutes left in the game.
In crunch time, the Bulldogs’ execution was sound on both ends of the floor—with clutch free throws made by Heidbreder and Douglas Jr. as well as some key stops on defense from guard DJ Stickman, including the one to seal the game, the Bulldogs came away with the 63-60.
What’s next
The Bulldogs take a brief road trip to The Pit, facing the University of New Mexico (14-3) on Jan. 21 at 6 p.m. The ‘Dogs then return home to take on a new face in the Mountain West, Grand Canyon University (10-6) on Jan. 24 at 4:30 p.m.
Story written by Vincent Ordonio, cover photo courtesy of Ryan Sepulveda.