Fresno State pulled a shocker Saturday night by defeating Nevada 87-77.
So many different things to talk about.
First) Greg Smith's dominance in the post was the key factor in the win. 25 points, 11 boards, five assists (7 turnovers). Not only did he go strong to the hoop and finish, but when he was fouled, he hit a decent % of his free throws: 60%. Not good, but at least it wasn't 40%. (I know that doesn't say much for his free throw shooting prowess).
One of the best parts of his game tonight was his ability to find cutters and shooters when the double team came. Now he did have those 7 turnovers, which you can't overlook. He definitely has to be better when the double teams come. But his positives outshined his negatives by a large margin. One key stat for the Bulldogs: 44 points in the paint. That's what led to their 59% FG shooting, a season high. Crazy.
One thing that became glaringly apparent tonight: I thought with Paul George injured this would be Seay's time to shine. I was wrong. This is Smith's team. It's his team not because he scored 25 tonight, but because of the energy he brings and most importantly, because he's the guy the coaching staff and team went to on offense from the jump.
Second) Brandon Sperling made key buckets when he had to. Not a great shooting night for him (30%), but he made a couple shots in the lane and also hit a 3 to help spread things out a little bit. Sperl's line was pretty darn good: 10 points, 8 boards, 7 assists, zero turnovers. Best night of his Bulldogs' career, and he did it while guarding Armon Johnson, one of the better guards in the league. (They actually played against each other in high school, which Sperl said helped him.)
Third) For the most part, point guard Steve Shepp ran the half-court offense with patience and discipline. Coach Steve Cleveland said it was the most disciplined half-court offense they've run this season. They actually executed plays and got the ball into the post where the post players could do some damage. (What's more frustrating for a post player than establishing great position only to have your guard throw a crappy pass and take you out the position you just muscled for?) Shepp had 10 points and 8 assists to one turnover.
Four) The 3 ball was dropping for the Bulldogs 50% of the time. That definitely helps get defenders off the post players. Mike Ladd was 4 of 7, but took a silly one late that drew the ire of his coach. Cleveland said after the game that he felt like slapping Ladd upside the head for taking a late 3 early in the shot clock when the Bulldogs should have been holding the ball for the win. The Bulldogs were up 9 with 1:24 to go when Ladd took the shot ... not smart. It showed his youth -- he's a sophomore. But the Bulldogs rushed some other shots late in the game when they should have been holding the ball as well. They've gotta be smarter late in games and not let the excitement get to them.
Four) Bench stepped up tonight. Ned Golubovic was 4 for 4 for 9 points. Jerry Brown, a 38.5% FT shooter, hit all three of his free throws and both of his field goals.
Other keys: Johnson was held to 5 of 16 shooting. Luke Babbitt went off for 29 points, but he was the only scoring threat late. The Bulldogs, one of the worst rebounding teams in the league, were even with Nevada in the stat.
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