FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno State men's basketball team came up just short in a tightly contested Mountain West battle, falling to Nevada 66-65 on Saturday night at the Save Mart Center.
The Bulldogs (6-8, 0-3 MW) led at halftime and traded the lead throughout the second half before Nevada used late free throws to escape with the one-point road win. The Wolf Pack improved to 11-3 overall and 3-0 in league play.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Fresno State set the tone early with defensive energy and timely shooting, jumping out to an early lead behind strong play from Jake Heidbreder. The Bulldogs knocked down four three-pointers in the opening half and forced seven Nevada turnovers, building a 26-21 advantage at the break.
The second half featured 11 ties and constant momentum swings. Fresno State pushed its lead to as many as five early in the half behind baskets from Zaon Collins and DeShawn Gory, but Nevada answered with a steady diet of paint points and trips to the free-throw line.
Heidbreder hit his fifth three of the night midway through the half to give the Bulldogs a 42-40 edge, and Fresno State continued to answer every Wolf Pack push. With under four minutes remaining, the Bulldogs held a slim 54-49 lead after a strong finish inside.
Nevada closed the game at the line, converting 12-of-18 free throws in the second half. The Wolf Pack took the lead for good in the final minute, and Fresno State's last possession came up empty, sealing the one-point decision.
NOTES
Jake Heidbreder led all scorers with 25 points, knocking down five three-pointers.
DeShawn Gory added 14 points on efficient shooting and provided key finishes in transition.
Zaon Collins finished with nine points and a game-high seven assists, while Wilson Jacques pulled down a team-high 12 rebounds.
Fresno State out-rebounded Nevada 36-29.
The Bulldogs shot 42.1 percent from the field and 42.1 percent from three-point range.
The game featured 14 lead changes and 14 ties.
Nevada scored 27 bench points compared to Fresno State's one.
UP NEXT
Fresno State returns to action next week with games on the road at San Jose State on Tuesday and San Diego State on Saturday.