LAS VEGAS – The Fresno State men's basketball team opened Mountain West play on the road Saturday night, falling to UNLV, 84-72, at the Thomas & Mack Center.
The Bulldogs led at halftime but were outscored 45-31 in the second half as UNLV used an efficient offensive stretch and timely runs to pull away late.
Fresno State drops to 6-6 overall and 0-1 in Mountain West play, while UNLV improves to 5-6 on the season and 1-0 in conference action.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Fresno State came out sharp offensively, knocking down seven three-pointers in the first half and shooting 43.8 percent from the field. The Bulldogs answered UNLV's early perimeter shooting with strong ball movement and interior touches, building momentum midway through the half.
Wilson Jacques controlled the paint early, while Jake Heidbreder and David Douglas Jr. provided a spark from deep. Fresno State closed the opening period on a high note, with Douglas Jr. burying a three-pointer at the buzzer to send the Bulldogs into the locker room with a 41-39 halftime lead.
UNLV turned the tide early in the second half, scoring on five of its first six possessions to reclaim the lead. The Rebels began to attack in transition and finished efficiently around the rim, while Fresno State cooled off from beyond the arc, making just one three-pointer after halftime.
Despite multiple ties and lead changes midway through the half, UNLV used a decisive run in the final eight minutes, fueled by fast-break points and second-chance opportunities, to extend the margin to double digits. Fresno State was unable to close the gap down the stretch as the Rebels sealed the game at the free-throw line.
NOTES
Wilson Jacques led Fresno State with a team-high 18 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks, recording a double-double.
Jake Heidbreder finished with 17 points and five assists.
Zaon Collins added 15 points, seven assists, and three steals.
David Douglas Jr. contributed 12 points, all coming from beyond the arc.
Fresno State led 41-39 at halftime.
The Bulldogs scored 36 points in the paint.
Fresno State recorded 17 assists on 27 made field goals.
The Bulldogs outrebounded UNLV on the offensive glass, 13-4.
UP NEXT
Fresno State continues Mountain West play on December 30, hosting Utah State at the Save Mart Center.
