How Fresno State pulled off improbable late-surge victory. ‘I’ve never seen that’
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Fresno State erased a 90–83 deficit and rallied to beat UNLV 98–96.
- Bulldogs scored 7 points in final 6.8 seconds, capped by Heidbreder buzzer jumper.
- Win improved Fresno State to 11–11 overall and 5–6 in Mountain West play.
Never in coach Vance Walberg’s wildest dreams did he imagine finding an advantage while trailing by double digits late in a Mountain West Conference game against UNLV.
Down 90–83 with 1:20 remaining, the deficit looked insurmountable for Fresno State.
But with five Rebels fouled out, the Bulldogs believed they still had a chance — and they proved it in stunning fashion.
Here’s how the final sequence unfolded as Fresno State pulled out an improbably 98-96 victory:
Fresno State: Zaon Collins makes a free throw — UNLV 90–84.
Fresno State: Jake Heidbreder hits both free throws — UNLV 90–86.
UNLV: Naas Cunningham sinks two free throws — UNLV 92–86 (28 seconds left).
Fresno State: Bastien Rieber drills a 3-pointer — UNLV 92–89 (23 seconds left).
UNLV: Howie Fleming Jr. makes two free throws — UNLV 94–89 (12 seconds left).
Fresno State: Bastien Rieber hits both free throws — UNLV 94–91 (8 seconds left).
UNLV: Al Green makes two free throws — UNLV 96–91 (6 seconds left).
Timeout Fresno State.
Fresno State: Bastien Rieber again goes 2 for 2 at the line — UNLV 96–93 (6 seconds left).
Timeout UNLV.
Fresno State: David Douglas Jr. knocks down a 3-pointer — 96-96
UNLV: Turnover with one second remaining.
Timeout Fresno State.
Fresno State: Jake Heidbreder hits the game-winning jumper at the buzzer.
It was a remarkable turnaround for the Bulldogs, who appeared finished late but capitalized on crucial Rebel miscues.
“When you score seven points in the last 6.8 seconds on a 7–0 run, most people don’t think you’re going to win it,” Walberg said.
“In 48 years doing this, I’ve never seen that. I’ve never seen that in my life. I’m glad we’re on the winning end.”
The victory lifted Fresno State to 11-11 overall and 5-6 in Mountain West play.
