‘Dogs Final Opportunity to Salvage Season

The Fresno State Bulldogs are in Las Cruces to take on the Nevada Wolf Pack at 5 p.m. PT tonight in a first round WAC tournament game. The game versus the second seed comes just five days after dropping the regular season finale at home to the Wolf Pack, 76-63. Nevada was able to ruin senior night in Fresno, and now they have the opportunity to finish their season for good.

The Bulldogs Coming In:

The Bulldogs enter what will most likely be their final game of the season lacking confidence against the much bigger Wolf Pack frontline. Getting beat by 13 on their home floor, on an emotional night, cannot give the ‘Dogs much to build on facing the same team on a neutral court.

In the March 8th meeting, the Bulldogs were led by Hector Hernandez who finished with 15 points and 7 rebounds. Kevin Bell had 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists, but was plagued by the inability to finish at the rim. He struggled against Nevada in both games this season, largely due to the interior size awaiting his penetration which forces him to take higher degree of difficulty shots.

One bright spot for the ‘Dogs was Fr. Ned Golubovic. Golubovic finished with 11 points on 5-6 shooting from the field in 23 minutes. He was able to provide the Bulldogs with some semblance of a post game for a few stretches, even posting up on 7-foot Javale McGee and scoring.

The Wolf Pack Entering:

Nevada comes into the WAC tourney as probably the hottest team in the WAC, save New Mexico State playing on their home court. Nevada looks to match up extremely well with everyone else. The Wolf Pack has had its way with the Bulldogs this season, and besides sleepwalking through Thursday’s game; they should have an easy time of things versus the ‘Dogs.

In the March 8 game, the Wolf Pack was led Marcellus Kemp and Javale McGee who dominated the Bulldogs all night. They combined for 48 points on 19-37 shooting and brought down 22 rebounds. The ‘Dogs had no answer for either player and have no defenders that can matchup with these to talented athletes.

Nevada was able to shoot 48% from the field and pick apart the ‘Dogs. A 7-0 Fresno State run cut the lead to three in the second half igniting the Bulldog team and fans alike. Nevada responded with a 7-0 run in one-minute span and opened back up a 10-point lead, which broke the ‘Dogs spirit on the way to a 13-point victory.

Final Thoughts:

It will take extremely hot Bulldog shooting and an off shooting night by Nevada for the Bulldogs to upset the mighty Wolf Pack. For all the issues this Nevada team has had this season with a young and inexperienced team, injuries, suspensions, and a slow start, they are now in a solid position now to win the WAC tourney.

This is not a good matchup as the talent disparity at certain positions is too great. It would be a great upset if the Bulldogs can walk out with a win tonight. Have they already mailed it in or will they fight through every single of their potentially final seconds?

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