Fresno State women’s basketball: Bulldogs hang tough but fall to No. 24 George Washington
Fresno State held its own with No. 24 George Washington most of Monday night, but a dismal second period for the Bulldogs sent the Colonials on their way before escaping with a 61-53 victory in front of 2,237 at Save Mart Center.
Down by seven, the Colonials (3-1) used a 12-0 scoring run over the final 4:51 to march into the locker room with a five-point advantage at halftime.
The Bulldogs (1-3) were practically silenced in the period – shooting 0-for-9 from the field down the stretch. Senior guard Brittany Aikens had all five of the team’s points in the period, hitting a 3-pointer and a layup.
“Those runs are killing us,” Bulldogs coach Jaime White said. “Turnovers and those runs, usually they are related. They’re distant cousins.”
The Bulldogs had a season-high 24 turnovers, which the Colonials cashed in for 15 points.
George Washington won the battle in the paint, outscoring Fresno State 32-14, including 12 via the fast break.
I think we’re all frustrated but we can find some good things out of these losses and, I think, that even though we lost, we are seeing a lot of growth in our team defensively.
Fresno State senior Moriah Faulk
The Bulldogs, outsized by 6-2 Caira Washington and 6-4 Jonquel Jones, played aggressive but had to give up a number of fouls to keep up.
Midway through the second period, four Bulldogs had already accrued two fouls each – Aikens, Breanne Knishka, Toni Smith and Shauqunna Collins.
At the end of the day we competed. You have to understand where they are right now. We only lost by eight points. We’re in a great place right now. It would’ve been nice to get the win, but I’m excited with where we’re at right now.
Fresno State senior Shauqunna Collins
That allowed the Colonials to find their rhythm against a young Bulldogs team.
Moriah Faulk hit two 3s in the third period that twice brought the Bulldogs within four of the Colonials. It wasn’t enough, however, as George Washington stayed in front with 3s from Mei-Lyn Bautista and Brianna Cummings.
George Washington put the game out of reach with a 9-0 run to start the fourth.
Jones had 13 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Colonials. Faulk had her second double-double in as many games with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
“We’re outsized quite a bit. and tonight, you have to choose sometimes, are you going to try and go against their athleticism or are you going to try and be taller than them?” White said. “I thought they were a well-balanced team and a top-20 team in the country and you got to choose and I thought we did a good job for most of the game.”
Angel Moreno: 559-441-6401, @anhelllll
Next up
SAINT MARY’S THANKSGIVING CLASSIC
FRESNO STATE AT SAINT MARY’S
- Friday: 2 p.m. at McKeon Pavilion
- Records: Bulldogs 1-3, Gaels 4-0
- Last meeting: Fresno State lost 83-64 at Saint Mary’s on March 23, 2015 in the second round of Women’s National Invitation Tournament
- Internet/Radio: Saint Mary’s (www.smcgaels.com)/KFPT (790 AM)
FRESNO STATE VS. NORTHEASTERN
- Saturday: Noon at McKeon Pavilion
- Records: Bulldogs 1-3, Huskies 3-0
- Internet/Radio: Saint Mary’s (www.smcgaels.com)/KFPT (790 AM)
This story was originally published November 23, 2015 at 10:48 PM with the headline "Fresno State women’s basketball: Bulldogs hang tough but fall to No. 24 George Washington."