FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State women's basketball team fell in the Mountain West conference home opener to San Diego State on Wednesday night at the Save Mart Center, 63-53.
How it happened
Fresno State started on a high note as Danae Powell let a three fly to start the scoring. Bulldogs found even footing after Djessira Diawara knotted it up through the first two minutes of play, 5-5. Ava Marr got in the next shot from beyond the arc to cut into the Aztecs 7-0 run. Another short Aztec run had the 'Dogs down after the opening ten, 16-8.
Fresno State started within scoring range of the Aztecs, 16-12. Marr dropped another six points, scoring the opening four points of the second. Powell's jumper snagged the Aztecs building lead back down to single digits. The freshman guard, Marr closed out with a 2-2 trip to the foul line, but San Diego hit a deep three at the buzzer for the lead going into the half, 32-20.
Jasia Gamble sparked a quick scoring run to break down San Diego State's largest lead of the night, 46-29. Gamble's solo 5-0 run started off on a jumper. Her next appearance at the basket came on the second chance redemption shot and closed with a 1-of-1 trip at the line. Marr hit double figures to finish the period on at the line (1-1).
Fresno State put in the offensive work to outscore San Diego State in the fourth, 18-14, cutting the lead down to little as six. Avery Watkins showed out the final ten putting up eight points and four rebounds to collect the first double-double of her career. Powell's second three-pointer of the night started the 'Dogs 8-0 run. Powell followed it up with a layup and Watkins contributed three points. Aztec's lead dropped down to six with Hedda Koehne's trip to the line, 59-53. San Diego State sealed their win after two successful trips to the line in the closing ten seconds, 63-53.
Notable
Fresno State drops to 6-6 on the season
Avery Watkins obtained her first double-double of her career with 10 points and matching her season best 11 rebounds
Avery Watkins has grab 11 board in back-to-back games
Three players finished the night in double figures with Danae Powell leading the team (16) and Avery Watkins & Ava Marr with 10 points
Danae Powell marks her fourth game this season scoring in double figures and second consecutive game
Ava Marr also marks her fourth double-figure game this season and third straight
Fresno State saw more points off turnovers (15-12) and second chances (13-12)
Bulldogs outscored the Aztecs 18-14 in the fourth quarter
Fresno State shot 75% from the charity line (15-20)
Fresno State is now 7-7 in conference openers
Up next: Fresno State (6-6, 0-1 MW) will host Wyoming (4-6, 1-0 MW) on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. PT.