FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno State men's basketball team put together a strong second-half surge to defeat Long Beach State 82-62 on Saturday afternoon at the Save Mart Center.
The Bulldogs improved to 2-1 on the season, thanks to a balanced offensive effort and an efficient shooting performance, while the Beach dropped to 0-2.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Fresno State established its defensive presence early, holding Long Beach State to just 26 percent shooting in the first half and forcing 10 turnovers. Senior guard Jake Heidbreder sparked the Bulldogs' offense with a pair of early baskets, and a three-pointer from Cameron Faas helped Fresno State build a steady lead midway through the half.
A put-back layup from Wilson Jacques and a transition score from Zaon Collins capped a 9-2 run late in the first half that gave the Bulldogs a 28-20 advantage at halftime. Fresno State dominated the boards early, outrebounding the Beach 26-12 in the first 20 minutes.
Coming out of the break, the Bulldogs' offense came alive. Heidbreder opened the half with a strong drive to the rim, followed by back-to-back three-pointers from Faas and freshman forward DeShawn Gory that stretched the lead to double digits. Collins controlled the tempo at the point, dishing out five assists while keeping the offense in rhythm.
Jacques continued his dominance inside, recording a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds. He provided second-chance points and sparked a stretch in which the Bulldogs made eight of nine shots, extending their lead to 20 midway through the second half.
Heidbreder finished with a game-high 24 points on 8-of-13 shooting, including two three-pointers and a perfect 6-for-6 from the free throw line. Collins and Jacques each added 12 points, and Faas knocked down three triples for nine points. DJ Stickman filled the stat sheet with four points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
The Bulldogs' defense held firm, limiting the Beach to 38 percent from the field and turning 16 turnovers into 24 points. Fresno State's bench also contributed 20 points to help seal the 20-point win in front of 3,133 fans.
NOTES
Senior guard Jake Heidbreder led all scorers with 24 points on 8-of-13 shooting and a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line.
Wilson Jacques recorded the first double-double of his collegiate career with 12 points and 13 rebounds.
Zaon Collins added 12 points, five assists, and four rebounds.
Cameron Faas went 3-for-8 from beyond the arc for nine points.
The Bulldogs shot 50 percent (26-52) from the field and 39 percent (9-23) from three-point range.
Fresno State held a 38-26 advantage on the boards and scored 34 points in the paint.
The Bulldogs' 54 second-half points marked their highest-scoring half of the season.
UP NEXT
Fresno State continues its homestand on Wednesday night, hosting UC San Diego at 6 p.m. PT inside the Save Mart Center.