honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, January 9, 2010

Fresno State pounds Rainbow Warriors, 78-64


Advertiser Staff

The University of Hawai’i men's basketball team came up way short on the road tonight.

Fresno State defeated the Rainbow Warriors, 78-64, in a Western Athletic Conference game at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif.

Hawai’i dropped to 8-8 overall and 1-2 in the WAC. The Bulldogs improved to 9-7 and 2-0.

The ‘Bows fell behind by as many as 20 points in the first half, and could never make up the difference in the second half.

Fresno State took advantage of 20 Hawai’i turnovers, recycling it into 32 points. In contrast, the ‘Bows scored 10 points off nine Bulldog turnovers.

Hawai’i senior forward Roderick Flemings scored 13 points, all in the second half when the ‘Bows were in catch-up mode. He was held scoreless in the first half.

Reserves Jeremy Lay and Brandon Adams scored 14 and nine points, respectively, for the ‘Bows.

Paul George proved his worth as an All-WAC candidate with 21 points, nine rebounds and six assists for the Bulldogs.

The ‘Bows stayed close for the first 10 minutes of the game, and trailed just 28-24 with 9:37 remaining in the first half.

The Bulldogs then went on a 16-1 run to increase their lead to 44-25. Mike Ladd highlighted the surge with a 3-pointer and a breakaway dunk off a Hawai’i turnover.

Fresno State eventually took a 47-29 lead at intermission, thanks in part to 15 turnovers by the ‘Bows.

Hawai’i never threatened in the second half, and the final margin was as close as it got.

Flemings had zero points and zero rebounds in the first half, and played just eight minutes due to foul trouble.

Hawai’i starting forward Petras Balocka was helped off the court in the second half with what appeared to be a shoulder injury.

The ‘Bows will stay on the WAC road to play at Utah State on Monday.