ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — An inability to convert dunks and layups resulted in a 78-64 loss to New Mexico for the Fresno State men’s basketball team Tuesday night.
Besides enduring the frustration of missing easily made shots, the Bulldogs never figured out how to stop Lobos swingman Vance Jackson. The junior transfer from the University of Connecticut scored 29 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for the Lobos (14-3, 3-1 Mountain West).
Early on, the Bulldogs positioned themselves for an upset of the Lobos, who are undefeated at “The Pit” this season. Fresno State (5-11, 1-4) made five of its first six shots and took a 14-5 lead. But the Lobos knotted it as 22-22 and led 41-37 at halftime.
Lobos Corral Williams
One of the keys to victory for New Mexico was its containment of Bulldogs guard Nate Williams, who finished with 10 points. On Saturday, against San Jose State, Williams made 10 3-pointers to tie a conference record and had a career-high 32 points.
The game marked the Bulldogs’ debut of freshman Jordan Campbell, a midseason transfer from Oregon State. He scored eight points, but all came in the first half and Bulldogs coach Justin Hutson said that Campbell “faded late” in the game.
Another Double-Double for Robinson
Fresno State freshman forward Orlando Robinson scored 16 points with 12 rebounds for his fourth double-double, and freshman guard Jarred Hyder added 14 points for the Bulldogs.
Point guard JaQuan Lyle aided the Lobos in their transition game with 14 points with 10 assists.
Missed Chances Galore for Bulldogs
Now, about those missed opportunities.
Fresno State outrebounded New Mexico 44-34 overall and held a 17-7 edge on the offensive glass. However, Fresno State scored just 10 points on those 17 extra offensive possessions and missed 17 of its 30 dunk or lay-up attempts.
Cambell made just 2 of 14 shots from the field and senior forward Nate Grimes converted on only 3 of 10.
Up Next
The Bulldogs are home Jan. 14 against No. 7 San Diego State.
