SAN DIEGO – In the final game before Fresno State's first of two byes in Mountain West play, the Bulldogs were unable to slow down the hot shooting of San Diego State in the opening half, falling 75-56 on Thursday evening at Viejas Arena. With a near 40 percent difference in shooting from the field during the first 20 minutes, the Aztecs led by 30 at the break.
Imani Lacy scored a game-high 16 points while Yanina Todorova added 14. Led by 11 points from Kim Villalobos and Abby Prohaska, the Aztecs had seven players register at least eight points.
How It Happened
San Diego State came out flying, connecting on its first four attempts to force Fresno State to call a timeout with just 8:14 on the clock. The lead grew to 15-2 just inside five minutes. The remainder of the quarter stayed even and the Bulldogs trailed 20-7 after 10 minutes after being outshot 53.3-16.7 percent. The Aztecs continued to build on their lead throughout the second, getting it to 18 with 4:44 left in the half. An 11-0 run by SDSU ensued though and the Aztecs led 51-21 at the half, outshooting the 'Dogs 65.6-26.9 percent.
The Bulldogs came out of the break getting three 3-pointers in the period after missing their first nine of the night. A 3-point play from Imani Lacy as well helped the Bulldogs close to within 18 with 2:01 remaining. It was the closest the 'Dogs would get the remainder of the night as the Aztecs closed the quarter with six unanswered. Lacy went on to score nine of her game-high 16 points during the final 10 minutes.
Notes
Fresno State allowed 51 points in the first half, its most in the opening 20 minutes of a game since Feb. 27, 2021 (55 vs. UNLV).
The 19-point defeat was the Bulldogs' largest to a Mountain West opponent since Feb. 19, 2020 (88-65 at Air Force).
Fresno State shot over 90 percent from the free throw line for the third time this season (90.5%; 19-of-21).
The Bulldogs were outshot 53.6-37.8 percent. It was the second-highest field goal percentage the 'Dogs have allowed this season.
Imani Lacy matched her season high with 16 points which she initially set last week at Boise State.
Yanina Todrova reached double figures for the first time since Jan. 14, scoring 14 points.
Thea Mikkelsen matched her career high in assists with three which was set on Dec. 11.
Next Up
Fresno State will take its first bye of Mountain West play on Saturday before returning to action at the Save Mart Center on Thursday against Air Force. Tipoff is slated for 6 p.m. PT.