Share
Fresno State men’s basketball coach Justin Hutson said earlier this year that the Bulldogs needed to take care of business at “winning time.”
But the Bulldogs have yet to master the art of closing out victories.
Bulldogs Led by 8 Late in Game
Despite taking an eight-point lead on Nate Grimes’ 3-pointer with 1 minute, 44 seconds remaining, the Bulldogs fell 71-69 to the University of San Francisco on Monday night.
The nonconference loss to the Dons (11-3) at the Save Mart Center dropped the Bulldogs to 4-8 this season.
And, the defeat marked the fifth loss for the Bulldogs in six games decided by a single possession or overtime.
“We’re playing a really tough schedule,” Hutson said. “We had some adversity just like every other team does with injuries and the travel, but bottom line, we had a chance to win it tonight and we didn’t get it done.”
Shabazz Hits Game-Deciding Layup
The Bulldogs’ failure to contain Khalil Shabazz led to the defeat. Shabazz scored 15 of his 17 points in the second half — including a game-winning layup a half-second before the final buzzer.
Fresno State also committed 15 turnovers, including three in the final 65 seconds. USF enjoyed a 16-6 advantage in points off turnovers, the Bulldogs made just 6 of 13 free throws.
Bulldogs Get Big Game From Orlando Robinson
But the rapid development of freshman forward Orlando Robinson is providing the Bulldogs and their fans with optimism for the rest of the season and beyond.
Robinson scored a career-high 24 points on 10-of-14 shooting, with seven rebounds, three steals, two blocks, and an assist.
“He continues to work, and he’ll continue to grow and get better,” Hutson said. “He has some up times and bad times, but he’s tough down there. And he can shoot the outside shot when he’s a little bit pickier with the ones he shoots.”
Dons Contain Grimes, Williams
It was a frustrating night for Grimes, the Bulldogs’ usually reliable power forward. Averaging a double-double this season, he finished with just eight points on 3-of-12 shooting. But he did contribute nine rebounds and four blocked shots.
Senior guard New Williams entered averaging 20.5 points over the last four games. However, the Dons limited him to 11 shots, and Williams finished with 12 points.
Next Up
Fresno State meets UC Riverside (8-5) on Saturday at 6 p.m. in the Save Mart Center.
The Highlanders, who play in the Big West Conference, have notched victories over Nebraska, Idaho, and San Jose State this season.
Clovis CPA Sentenced to Prison for $800K Bank Fraud Scheme
1 hour ago
His Gang Name Is ‘Goer.’ Now Fresno County Man Is Going to Prison for 20 Years
1 hour ago
Missing Woman Found Dead in Fresno County Canal Identified
2 hours ago
Co-Conspirator Sentenced in Fraud Involving Loans to Bitwise
2 hours ago
Valley Crime Stoppers’ Most Wanted Person of the Day: Stephanie Marie Zamarripa
2 hours ago
Why Trump Is Mad at ‘Sleazebag’ Leonard Leo
2 hours ago
Madera County Authorities Seek Public’s Help Locating Missing At-Risk Man
3 hours ago
Campbell’s Co. Says Sales Rise as More Americans Cook at Home
4 hours ago
‘King of the Hill’ Voice Actor Jonathan Joss Fatally Shot Outside His Texas Home
13 minutes ago
Categories

‘King of the Hill’ Voice Actor Jonathan Joss Fatally Shot Outside His Texas Home

Not Quite ‘Hunger Games,’ but Fresno Budget Hearings Start

Clovis CPA Sentenced to Prison for $800K Bank Fraud Scheme

His Gang Name Is ‘Goer.’ Now Fresno County Man Is Going to Prison for 20 Years

Missing Woman Found Dead in Fresno County Canal Identified

Co-Conspirator Sentenced in Fraud Involving Loans to Bitwise

Valley Crime Stoppers’ Most Wanted Person of the Day: Stephanie Marie Zamarripa
