Dogs' host Vandals in epic battle at SMC

You still on the team? Lets get it going if you are.

FSU-Idaho Preview:

The Fresno State Bulldogs will try to get back on the right foot in WAC play tonight at the Save Mart Center as they host an improved Idaho squad that comes in at 4-10. The 8-8 Bulldogs will try to begin the WAC season protecting their homecourt which is of the utmost importance. The Dogs swept the Vandals last season and lead the overall series 5-2.

The Vandals coming in:

The Vandals were able to snap a 13 game WAC losing streak at home a week ago in Moscow 85-78 over La Tech that moved them to 1-2 in conference. Mike Hall and Jordan Brooks led the Vandals with 21 points apiece. Brooks added 10 rebounds and also posted an 11-14 from the free throw line. Clyde Johnson added a career high 19 points in his first career start.

On the season Jordan Brooks is the only double figure scorer at 11.2 points per contest. Michael Crowell comes in right under that at 9.8 points per. The Vandals feature a roster breakdown of 3 seniors, 9 juniors, no sophmores, and 2 freshman.

Vandal Team Stats:

-43.1% from the field
-36.2% from three
-60% free throws
-31.7 rebounds per game -2.6
-assist/turnover ration of 0.7
-7.3 steals per game

The Bulldogs prior:

The Bulldogs come into Saturday’s game off of a disappointing Tuesday night loss at the hands of a very good Saint Mary’s team. The Dogs squandered guard Bryan Harvey’s best effort in a Bulldog uniform, he had 20 points on 6-10 three-point shooting and added 5 rebounds. Kevin Bell added 14 points and 8 assists and Eddie Miller had 12 although he couldn’t find it from three point range going 0-6.

The Dogs were able to ride Harvey’s three point shooting to cut the deficit to 6 at the under 8 media timeout. Saint Marys answered out of the timeout with back to back threes by Ian O’ Leary and Patrick Mills and a Diamon Simpson layup to balloon the lead up to 14 in less than a minute. That stretch proved to be the difference. The Bulldogs had used a lot of energy to cut into the lead and did not have enough in the tank to do it twice.

What to expect:

Expect an Improved Vandal squad with experience to come in with confidence after taking care of La Tech at home. They will play with energy and if the Bulldogs are not over Tuesdays loss they may find themselves in a fight with Idaho. They cannot let them hang around too long as the Vandals will have their confidence grow with each minute.

The Dogs will look for more transition baskets and slashing by Kevin Bell as he was held in check by the Gaels on Tuesday. Eddie Miller will look to return to his 3 point shooting ways, and everyone is hoping that Bryan Harvey will play more like he did against Saint Mary’s than he has all season.

MBs Take:

Dogs win by 12 as they make 10 threes as a team, 77-65.