FRESNO, Calif. – Richard Washington scored 30 points, including 23 in the opening half, but it wasn't enough to give the Spartans the victory as Fresno State pulled ahead late to win 79-64 Friday night at the Save Mart Center.
It was a tale of two halves for the Spartans (2-7, 0-5 MW) as they shot the ball lights out in the opening 20 minutes. SJSU hit 56.7 percent (17-of-30) from the floor and 6-of-10 from 3-point range, and jumped out to a 45-42 lead at the break. Washington knocked down 8-of-12 attempts, including 3-of-4 beyond the arc during the half. His third and final triple came just at the buzzer as he hit the contested shot over two defenders at the top of the key.
It was a different story in the second half as San Jose State (presented by Provident Credit Union) was unable to sustain the same success. The Spartans converted just 36 percent (9-of-25) from the floor and was 0-for-6 from 3-point range.
The Spartans held on to their lead for the first eight minutes of the second half, with their largest lead of eight coming with 16:18 remaining on a Hugo Clarkin lay-in. After a quick 7-0 run by the Bulldogs, Caleb Simmons and Washington each scored in the paint to extend the lead back up to five at 57-52. Unfortunately, SJSU hit just three more baskets the rest of the way and Fresno State (4-3, 2-3 MW) took advantage of the poor shooting.
The Bulldogs closed out the final 11:11 with a 26-7 run to take control of the contest and pick up the win. Fresno State won the rebounding battle 47-24, scored 40 points in the paint and outscored the Spartans 21-5 in second chance points.
For Washington, his 30-point total marks his second 30-point game of the season and third of his career. The senior checked into the night as the second-leading scorer of the season in the Mountain West and will continue to be near the top of the list following tonight's performance. Ralph Agee finished with 13 points and four rebounds.
Fresno State's double-double machine Orlando Robinson had himself another big game with 23 points and 14 rebounds. He was one of four Bulldogs to finish with double figure scoring efforts.
Game two between the Spartans and Bulldogs is set for Sunday at 4:00 p.m. PT.
SPARTAN ATHLETICS FUND FAN CUTOUTS:
Spartan Nation, don't miss your chance to be represented in the stands at the Provident Credit Union Event Center this season. If interested in a cardboard cutout, follow this link to register!