Fresno State forward Mykell Robinson drives to the net against San Diego State at the Save Mart Center on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (GV Wire/Steven Sanchez)
- Bulldogs' early lead slips away as Aztecs dominate second half, showcasing their ranking and experience on the court.
- Mykell Robinson shines with career-high 20 points, but key players struggle as Fresno State's offense falters.
- Coach Walberg remains optimistic, emphasizing team culture and daily improvement as keys to future success.
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Key Stats: 18-of-66 on field goals, 5-of-26 on 3-pointers for the Bulldogs
Stars of the Game: FRESNO STATE: Mykell Robinson; SAN DIEGO STATE: Magoon Gwath
Up Next: Fresno State at Santa Clara
Missed shots, errant passes, and defensive shortcomings doomed the Fresno State men’s basketball team as it fell to 24th-ranked San Diego State 84-62 in the Mountain West opener at the Save Mart Center on Wednesday night.
It was the third straight loss for the Bulldogs, who are 3-5 this season. San Diego State improved to 5-2.
Related Story: San Diego State Is in Town Tonight. It’s the Program Fresno State Wants ...
Early Lead Slips Away
The Bulldogs provided a glimmer of hope for their biggest home crowd of the season, leading until 12:18 of the first half. That’s when guard BJ Davis made a layup and the Aztecs maintained control the rest of the way.
“I always think we have a shot. I don’t go into a game not thinking we don’t have a shot. I’m not coaching to go into the game to stay close,” said Bulldogs coach Vance Walberg.
Related Story: Collins Returns, but Bulldogs Lose Two in Tournament Action
Second Half Disintegration
Fresno State’s dribble-drive offense came to a standstill as its defense allowed a season-high 55 points in the second half and the Aztecs showed why they were favored by 13 points.
Aztec Magoon Gwath a freshman 7-footer, dominated with career highs of 25 points and 10 rebounds. Davis added 13 and fellow guard Wayne McKinney III had 12 for the Aztecs..
Fresno State forward Mykell Robinson tallied a career-high 20 points and grabbed a career-high-matching 10 rebounds.
Key Players Struggle
This game was one to forget for Bulldog forward Elijah Price and guard Amar Augillard. Price scored six points, and Augillard went 1-for-10 from the field, including 1-of-5 on 3-pointers. Both fouled out.
The biggest contributing factor to the loss was a lack of offensive execution. The Bulldogs made just went 18 of 66 shots and were 5-for-26 from beyond the 3-point arc. The Aztecs also crushed it in the rebound game with 53 against the Bulldogs’ 39.
Related Story: Augillard, Douglas Lead the Way as Bulldogs Rally Past Long Beach State
Learning Experience for Young Team
Coach Brian Dutcher’s Aztecs schooled the Bulldogs on how a sound, disciplined team operates.
Said Robinson: “We have to continue just being a team. They came in here, played as a team, and played together. If we do the same thing and play hard every game, we can get there.”
Fresno State head coach Vance Walberg on the sideline against San Diego State at Save Mart Center on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (GV Wire/Steven Sanchez)
“We just got to get better every day. I ask them every day to give me your best and be a great teammate. If we keep doing that, we have to develop that kind of culture, and that’s what I’m trying to get to,” said Walberg.
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