LAS VEGAS — Fresno State junior forward Orlando Robinson returned to his hometown and put on a show with a 24-point, 11-rebound performance that carried the Bulldogs to a 73-68 victory over UNLV on Friday night.

With the victory, Fresno State improved to 12-4 overall —its best start in 15 years — and 2-1 in the Mountain West men’s basketball standings.

Bryce Hamilton made four 3-pointers and scored 24 points for UNLV (9-7, 1-2).

Painting the town BULLDOG red. #GoDogs | #ValleyTough pic.twitter.com/vbyAWnWFAT

— Fresno State Men’s Basketball (@FresnoStateMBB) January 15, 2022

Nail-Biting Time at the End

UNLV drew within 65-60 when Hamilton hit a 3-pointer with 2 minutes, 46 seconds remaining, and a three-point play by UNLV’s Donovan Williams made it 69-66 with 1:19 to go.

But Isaiah Hill made a pair for Fresno State with 14 seconds left to seal the victory.

Anthony Holland scored 14 points and finished with 12 points in support of Robinson. It was the 20th career double-double for Robinson, who came to Fresno State after being lightly recruited by UNLV.

Robinson was in attack mode early, scoring the first six points of the game highlighted by a fast-break dunk. The Bulldogs used a 21-5 run to close the first half with a 33-23 lead.

Fresno State, which is one of the nation’s top defensive teams, has limited opponents to fewer than 70 points in 15 of its 16 games.

Next up: Utah State

The Bulldogs host Utah State on Tuesday at 8 p.m. at the Save Mart Center.

The Aggies are 10-6 overall and 1-2 in conference play.

Resilience. Determination. Cohesion. Player after player not shrinking from clutch moments but stepping up to meet them. Fantastic team win on the road for @FresnoStateMBB. 12-4 = best start in 15 years. Hope the Red Wave is there for them in force Tuesday at 8 vs Utah State.

— Paul Loeffler (@P356Loeffler) January 15, 2022

Robinson Named to Player of the Year Watch List

On Wednesday, Robinson was named to the Mid-Season Watch List for the 2021-22 Lute Olson National Player of the Year award.

The award goes to the top player in men’s Division I college basketball.

Entering Friday’s nationally televised game, Robinson was averaging 19.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game, while shooting 51.9% from the field.