BOISE, Idaho — Two streaks collided Saturday, and the one belonging to the Fresno State women’s basketball team prevailed against Boise State.
In what has become more of a trend than an anomaly, the Bulldogs rallied from 10 points down in the fourth quarter to snap the Broncos’ 18-game home-court winning streak against Mountain West opponents.
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With guard Haley Cavinder scoring 20 of her game-high 25 points in the second half, the Bulldogs prevailed, 85-80, and remained undefeated in conference play at 9-0.
Bulldogs Faced a 17-Point Deficit
Trailing by as many as 17 points late in the second quarter, the Bulldogs (16-4 overall) chipped away at a Broncos lead that lasted more than 35 minutes. After nine first-half turnovers, Fresno State settled in, committing none in the second half while capitalizing on four fourth-quarter Boise State miscues.
Cavinder made just 1-of-5 shots in the first half but converted 6-of-10 in the final 20 minutes. She finished with a team-high nine rebounds and scored or assisted on 12 of the Bulldogs’ final 18 points.
Forward Maddi Utti contributed 21 points and six rebounds for Fresno State, and Hanna Cavinder made 5-of-10 from the field and finished with 14 points.
Boise State (14-7, 6-3) received a double-double from center Mallory McGwire (19 points, 14 rebounds).
How the Bulldogs Won It
With the score 75-75, Idaho native Kendyll Kinzer converted a 3-pointer off a pass from Haley Cavinder. The Broncos twice cut the deficit to one point, but Utti and Hanna Cavinder made three free throws apiece to seal the victory for the Bulldogs.
“We had a 17-point lead, something like that,” said a stunned Boise State coach Gordy Presnell. “But we gave up 35 points in the fourth quarter. You won’t win any game, at any level, giving up 35 points in a quarter.”
Another Streak Ended
The Bulldogs ended a seven-game losing streak to Boise State dating to Jan. 14, 2017. It was their first victory in Boise since Feb. 26, 2014.
You can access the game’s boxscore at this link.
Up Next
Fresno State faces Air Force (4-16, 2-7) on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Save Mart Center. The Falcons have lost five straight games.
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