Fresno State

Sophomore Paul George (24) earned SI.com's distinction as the "Most Entertaining Player" in the West.

ESPN's Katz Sees Bulldogs as a "Program on the Rise" (3:03 p.m. PT)
With the first official tip of the 2009-10 regular season hours away, the dramatic evolution of the Fresno State men's basketball program since the arrival in 2005 of Steve Cleveland and his passionate commitment to both academic and athletic success is stark and rejuvenating.

ESPN's Andy Katz, a former Fresno Bee reporter who previously covered the Bulldog Basketball beat, spotlighted ten programs he views as "primed to rise" this season and included Fresno State, who returns six letterwinners and adds seven newcomers for a roster full of athleticism, talent and a renewed emphasis on defensive pressure.

"Paul George. Can I say it again? Paul George. He is a star and one of the NEXT athletes ESPN has been pushing." Andy Katz, ESPN Senior College Basketball Writer

Here is an excerpt from his blog post on his outlook for Fresno State:

Reason for optimism: Paul George. Can I say it again? Paul George. He is a star and one of the NEXT athletes ESPN has been pushing. The Bulldogs under Steve Cleveland have been all over the place, but there is a sense that things should settle down in a league that doesn't have an intimidating team. Sure, Utah State is the favorite in the WAC, and Nevada has Luke Babbitt, but it's not as if Fresno State can't climb from three wins to at least eight in the league.

What could happen: The Bulldogs should be in the mix, at least in the middle of the pack.

What's likely to happen: Expect Fresno State to affect the WAC race but fall short of a postseason berth.

The other schools Katz added to the list of ten were: Georgia Tech, Iowa, Oregon, St. John's, Indiana, Charlotte, Rice, Florida Atlantic and Hartford.

To read the Katz's full analysis on the ten teams: visit: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=4647328&name=katz_andy

For more information on the Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook, visit: www.blueribbonyearbookonline.com

I just updated the roster sheet and you may notice the addition of the incoming freshmen and transfers to the roster as well as one number change. For the full 2009-10 roster, click here.

Here are the numbers for the new additions:

And the one number change:

GO DOGS!

Summer Hoops Spotlight (10:42 p.m. PT)
This past week, KMPH's Jessob Reisbeck spent some time on campus at the Student Recreation Center with three key returners, sophomores Paul George and Brandon Sperling as well as redshirt freshman Taylor Kelly. The young returners look ready to go for 2009-10.

GoBulldogs.com Gets New Look (6:45 p.m. PT)
Today, we launched a completely redesigned and fresh look to www.gobulldogs.com. It's loaded with new features and a cleaner design to provide you the latest and most in-depth information about Fresno State Athletics. I hope you like it and feel free to explore.

Start getting ready for Bulldog hoops to return to the Save Mart Center this fall. Let's just say the team is working hard in the weight room, staying dedicated in the gym and excited to play in front of packed crowds at home. We are closing in on four months to tip-off...

GO DOGS!

A Sneak Peek (2:45 p.m. PDT)

Paul George

We do have a couple of previews of some updated material for you to view on www.gobulldogs.com.

Sylvester Seay

2. Updated 2008-09 Student-Athlete Biographies and Statistics
By clicking on the Roster page, you can review the vital elements of the 2008-09 season of all your Bulldogs.
Click HERE to view the updated roster and statistics. For statistics, click on the individual student-athlete for their respective statistics

3. Season Review
An in-depth look-back at the 2008-09 season is available in PDF form. A bigger release is on the horizon, but I wanted to post it here first as we continue to add more content to the Bulldog Blog.
Click HERE to view the PDF release.

4. Wallpapers Available
While these have been up for awhile, it is a perfect time for a reminder that desktop wallpapers are available of graduating senior guard Dwight O'Neil, sophomore Academic All-District honoree Nedeljko Golubovic and freshman standout Paul George.
Click HERE to view all the Fresno State Wallpapers

5. More is on the Way
This is just a brief start at the new content. There is some exciting work being done right now to provide even more content and dynamic interactive features for you to enjoy of your favorite Bulldogs.

The 2009-10 season is less than seven months away. Keep checking www.gobulldogs.com for a behind-the-scenes look at the offseason.

And as always, GO DOGS!

It's Win-or-Go Home Time!
Postseason Starts Tonight!!!!
After a five-hour bus ride up here to the "Biggest Littlest City in the World " yesterday, there is a look in the eye of these ninth-seeded Bulldogs of an intense focus on doing whatever it takes to win. I've had the opportunity to watch this team from the very beginning, filled with plenty high moments but also a healthy dose of adversity. Prior to the season, the automatic response of each student-athlete to their ultimate goal for this season: "Win the WAC Tournament!" That goal is still attainable as the season's slate is now fresh with a clear path to redemption and euphoria. Coach Bob Donewald's words of staying focused with 100 percent effort for 40 minutes are still resonating throughout the roster.

The team just finished up their final practice before tonight's main event --- a first round meeting with the Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors. This is the `Dogs third and final chance to take care of business against the `Bows in the only game that really matters.

The bottom line: Tonight is an elimination game. Period. End of discussion. No way to sugar coat it. The winner survives and advances while the loser goes home. Everything comes down to playing your best 40 minutes of basketball.

You can listen to the game (tip slated for 7:30 p.m. PDT) live with the play-by-play call by Paul Loeffler and analysis by Randy Rosenbloom on KMJ580 or www.kmj580.com.

GO DOGS! BEAT THE `BOWS!

Donewald's Advice (7:16 p.m. PST)
Countdown to Postseason: 3 Days
Last night at practice, our head coach Steve Cleveland asked Coach Bob Donewald (our color analyst for the Bulldog Sports Network during men's basketball games) to talk with the team about how to elevate their game at the most important time of the year. Donewald was an assistant coach under another legendary coach - Bob Knight - at Indiana when the Hoosiers went undefeated on their way to the 1976 national championship. Now retired from coaching, Donewald brings an insightful perspective to the Bulldogs and watches most of our road WAC practices. This was a perfect opportunity to channel some of his experience to spark the Bulldogs before their regular season finale while looking for an extremely elusive first road WAC victory.

Donewald spoke of the need to give 100 percent effort and focus for an entire 40 minutes of basketball. He noticed how the Bulldogs have the talent to compete with anybody in the conference, but they have to find a way to break through the wall of finding ways to win ball games on a consistent basis. The `Dogs appeared to take each of Donewald's words and process how to apply them to tonight's game against the Vandals.

This is the final of 32 regular season games and the last chance to get some valuable game experience before next week's win-or-go-home WAC tournament in Reno.

Notes from the Road:

You can watch the game on the Bulldog Sports Network... the game just started!

GO DOGS! BEAT THE VANDALS!

I hope you are watching the Bulldog Sports Network as the Bulldogs take the floor here in the Taco Bell Arena. We are moments away from the tip. The 'Dogs are looking for a very elusive and slippery first WAC road victory that would just happen to give our Bulldogs the first series sweep over Boise State since 2003.

GO DOGS!!!!

Let it Snow! (6:35 p.m. MST)
Countdown to Postseason: 6 Days
With the number of games remaining on the schedule (3 and hopefully more... if you count the postseason), the sense of urgency and focus in the team has sharpened. All the work - from pre-college ball to offseason workouts and the thousands of hours practicing for the 30 games already in the books --- has been designed to prepare a group of student-athletes to excel at this time of year.

We landed in Boise, Idaho, a few hours ago on the first leg of our final regular season road trip and our only trip to the Gem State. Shortly after checking into our hotel, snow started falling, which marked the first time over the course of the season that the `Dogs have seen snow on the road.

The team is on the floor right now in the Taco Bell Arena, Boise State's home court, practicing for tomorrow night's game. By recording an 88-82 victory over the Broncos on Feb. 9 in Fresno, the Bulldogs have a shot to register their first season sweep over Boise State since 2003.

Keep checking the blog for updates from the Bulldogs on the road...

Head Coach Steve Cleveland earned his 200th career win last Thursday as the 'Dogs hit the final stretch of their 2008-09 campaign.

The Meaning of 200 and the Impact of Finishing Strong
Countdown to Postseason: 9 Days
The blog is celebrating the official start of March Madness as we start the countdown to the 2009 WAC Tournament.

Before we look ahead, we need to take a moment to recognize a significant milestone for our head coach, Steve Cleveland. Last week, there was little fanfare when the final horn sounded as Cleveland earned his 200th career win because the result on the scoreboard for this team --- a team that has been through more than a fair share of adversity, struggles and youth --- meant so much more than a trip down memory lane for the head coach in his 12th season as a Division I basketball coach.

"Both of the places I have coached (BYU and Fresno State) were situations where I had to build from the ground up and develop a program," Cleveland reflected on his career. "In that kind of a situation, you have a lot of really meaningful wins. Our wins these past couple of weeks over UC Davis and Nevada were truly great moments for this team that is coming together down the stretch."

The `Dogs found a way to finish --- an elusive commodity that kept slipping away for so many games. That ability to finish showed up on Saturday, Feb. 21 with a 71-70 BracketBusters win over UC Davis and appeared again on Thursday night as Fresno State picked up a 68-66 victory against Nevada --- the first time the Bulldogs beat the Wolf Pack since 2006.

Cleveland is a reserved, but passionate man. He has charted a course for this team and can see the horizon that for so long kept fading behind clouds. In many conversations with the team, Cleveland continually tells the student-athletes that their time is now and they can beat anybody in this league. As someone who has seen every game along with many of the peaks and challenges these 'Dogs have faced on and off the court from start to finish, they can compete with anyone on any given day. A clean slate at the most magical time of the year for college basketball might just be the perfect recipe to reach the horizon a little earlier than projected.

The last two games promise at least 40 more minutes of game preparation for the part of the season that really matters --- the postseason.

Buy your tickets to Reno for the WAC Tournament as you never know what you may witness. The 'Dogs open play on Tuesday in the First Round against either the University of Hawai'i or Louisiana Tech at 7:30 p.m. PST. live on KMJ 580 AM with Paul Loeffler and Randy Rosenbloom describing the action.

GO DOGS!

An Aggie Equation (5:55 p.m. PST)

2(Utah State Aggies) + 2(New Mexico State Aggies) + 1(UC Davis Aggies) = 5 of the past 13 Bulldog Basketball games

It's not too often that a team plays another mascot five times during the regular season. In fact, it is believed to be the first time in school history that Fresno State has faced a single mascot --- the "Aggies" --- five times in one regular season.

With Utah State and New Mexico State holding the "Aggies" title, the feat becomes easier for members of the Western Athletic Conference to accomplish this task, yet the situation is still rare. Most importantly, Fresno State hopes that the fifth time is the charm tonight as they look to earn a way over the Aggies for the first time this year.

Despite the 183 miles (which is just over a three-plus hour road trip from Fresno to Davis) separating Fresno State and UC Davis, tonight is the renewal of a longtime rivalry that dates back to the Bulldogs' inaugural season and the first major college the storied Fresno State program played in 1922. The two schools last played each other in basketball on Dec. 1, 1983, when the Bulldogs cruised to a 92-49 victory. Fresno State looks to extend a 10 game winning streak over the Aggies of UC Davis, as the Bulldogs are winners of 17 of the last 18 contests.

Make sure to turn your radio dial to 580 (AM) or surf over to www.kmj580.com to listen to the tandem of Randy Rosenbloom and Steve Gonzalez describe the action from here in Davis, Calif. on the campus of the University of California at Davis. The pre-game show will start at 6 p.m., followed by the tip slated for 7:03 p.m. PST.

GO DOGS!

Time Out Giving Away a FREE Nintendo Wii to a Fresno State student (11:55 a.m. PST)

Students get FREE Tickets to men's basketball games and also have the chance.... if you are LOUD and CRAZY... to win a Nintendo Wii at Thursday night's nationally televised game against Hawai'i in the Save Mart Center. The first 150 students will also get a FREE Fresno State t-shirt. It's a big night on Thursday... so don't miss it. The game starts at 8 p.m.

Click HERE to show your Bulldog pride by visiting the official Facebook page for more information on Thursday night's game.

Watch Time Out and his friends playing with his Wii by clicking the video below...

Adapting to the Road (10:55 p.m. MST)

Living life on the road is a different pace. It's a different culture. Throw in taking five-plus college classes and you have yourself a full slate multiplied a couple of times. This life is "normal" for student-athletes.

After having a post-game meal and going to sleep in Ruston last night, the team woke up bright and early by 6:30 a.m. for a hot breakfast at the hotel before leaving sharply at 7 a.m. for the airport. Most of the guys took advantage of the roughly hour bus ride to Shreveport from Ruston to get some more sleep. I would imagine that nobody on the team realized we took a detour to avoid a crash on the interstate that sent cattle all over the road. Now, I didn't actually witness this bizarre scene as our staff in the car that did --- filled with our production crew --- made it to the airport in time to get 2 of 7 people onto our commuter plane over to Dallas. Their status will come later in the blog. So, we get to the small, but quaint airport in Shreveport and walk down the steps to our 40-plus passenger jet. The flight was smooth and involved more sleeping for the majority of the roster.

We even happened to join Louisiana Tech Athletics Director/Head Football Coach Derek Dooley for the trip. Our play-by-play announcer Paul Loeffler showed Coach Dooley the image of the cover of "Underdogs to Wonderdogs." The significance of this was that the school Fresno State beat in the CWS championship, Georgia, had its own set of "Wonderdogs" more than 30 years ago. That was what the 1978 Georgia football team, coached by Dooley's dad Vince, came to be known as. Dooley led Georgia to a national championship a few years later in 1980. There will always be a strong bond between schools that are proud to be Bulldogs.

With a short layover at DFW, we had enough time to grab a quick bite to eat for lunch. The five (and previously stranded) other members of the production crew made it to the gate with a couple minutes to spare, yet, we had a feeling that their baggage might not be making it (it didn't... this is why a complimentary toothbrush and toothpaste from a hotel front desk can be a life-saver.) We enjoyed a bigger plane for the slightly longer journey to El Paso. I got a chance to get some work in on the plane - labeling some photos from Monday night's win over Boise State. (Thanks to Gary Belman for taking the pictures). El Paso has a nice airport --- just the right size and local flavor. Our bus driver took us on a shortcut from the airport to get around some construction while we made the trek to Las Cruces.

The team had about a half hour to get adjusted before study hall, which happens on every road trip during the semester. Associate Head Coach Jeff Reinert then led the team through a scouting film session before tonight's practice on the campus of New Mexico State University. Dinner followed practice and I now sit in the hotel room giving you a behind-the-scenes look at our journey today. This is just a snapshot. Each day brings a new challenge and opportunity. Tomorrow night is another challenge and opportunity. With just seven games to go before the WAC tournament, a renewed sense of urgency surrounds this young team establishing its identity.

Make sure to tune into to KAIL or www.espn360.com to watch Hittin' the Hardwood at 5:30 p.m. PST, followed by our Bulldogs playing the Aggies live at 6 p.m. PST. for your "tailgate" festivities and best choice for Valentine's Day entertainment (it's free and nothing can beat Bulldog Basketball!).

GO DOGS!

11:20 p.m. CST
After a focused practice working primarily on their strategic game plan for tomorrow's second meeting of the season with the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, we had a team dinner at a local restaurant and came back to the hotel for a low-key night getting adjusted to the two-hour time difference between Fresno and Ruston.

This week, with road games here in Ruston and a trip over to Las Cruces, Fresno State will double the amount of games they will have played outside the Pacific time zone as the Bulldogs hold experience in only two contests outside the Pacific time zone this season. The `Dogs met the Utah State Aggies in Logan, Utah (Jan. 15) and battled the Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors last week (Feb. 5).

Fresno State is looking for their first win of the year outside their home time zone.

But, it is time to get some rest with an action-packed day capped with the battle of Bulldogs.

GO FRESNO STATE!

5:51 p.m. CST
Hey Bulldog fans! We are back on the road. The men's basketball team just arrived in Ruston, La. in preparation for tomorrow's Battle with the Bulldogs of Louisiana Tech.

After the long trip (mileage wise at more than 1,913 miles), the team will watch some film here at the hotel at 6 p.m. (Central Time) before heading over to Karl Malone Court for a brief practice later tonight.

You can watch tomorrow night's game on the Bulldog Sports Network, which airs in Fresno on KAIL (MY 53/Comcast 13) as well as online at both www.gobulldogs.com and www.espn360.com. It is also slated to be included on ESPN Full Court. Ralph Wood and Bob Donewald will provide the play-by-play and analysis. Ralph and Bob also host, "Hittin' the Hardwood," a 30-minute pre-game show (starting at 4:30 p.m. PST) featuring an in-depth look at Bulldog Basketball and Fresno State Athletics.

We are on a tight schedule, so I get another post up in a few hours, but thanks for reading the blog and GO DOGS!

9:07 p.m
The 'Dogs just earned their most impressive win of the season with a 88-82 win over the second place Boise State Broncos.

With 20 seconds, Fresno State held a six-point lead. The Bulldogs get the ball in to Paul George to run down the clock until the Broncos foul and send him to the line. George hits both free throws putting the nail in the coffin and the Broncos away for good. Paul George earned his sixth double-double of the season with 29 points and 10 boards including a near perfect shooting performance going 9-11 from the field including 3-4 from beyond the arc and a perfect 8-8 from the free throw line. Needless to say No. 24 had the hot hand tonight. Sylvester Seay added 23 points for the Bulldogs.

8:50 p.m.
Get out your dancing shoes because its time for the Comcast dance cam, where all of the youngsters in the Save Mart Center come down to the floor and show off their dance moves with the Fresno State Spirit Squad. Now it always seems to be the same little guy right there front and center doing his all impressive break dancing and Cotton-Eyed Joe dance moves. Even the Boise State players and coaches can't help but stop, watch and smile at five-year old Ricky Oaks.

When asked how long he had been dancing for Oaks replied, "For I would say probably about 30 days."

Oaks say's he learned his amazing dance moves from watching TV. Oaks comes to every single home game and knows exactly what time he is supposed to make his way down to the floor to participate in the dancing activities.

"My favorite players are the dunking man (aka Paul George), and number two {Bryce Cartwright}," Oaks said.

8:05 p.m.
It's halftime and the fans stand to applaud and meet the 2009 Fresno State softball team. The NCAA's all-time winningest coach Margie Wright introduced the players to the sound of loud cheers from the crowd. She announced the meet and greet the team will be hosting on Sunday, Feb. 15 at River Park and also encouraged fans to come out to the Bulldogs home opener on Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. As the team left the floor they threw out Supercuts t-shirts to the loudest fans.

Sylvester Seay hits a 3-pointer from a different area code as the horn sounds for halftime, giving the bulldogs a 16 point lead and capping off arguably their most electrifying half of the season as they put up 45 points on 48% shooting from the field while defensively holding the Broncos to a mere 29 points on 36% shooting. Paul George led the Bulldogs shooting 7-8 from the field scoring 19 points.

The crowd comes alive with two minutes remaining in the first half as Mychal Ladd steals the inbound pass, draws the foul and hits the shot sending him to the line for the three point play. Ladd added the free-throw giving the Bulldogs momentum and an 11 point lead.

7:25 p.m.
During the timeout, Fresno State fans gave sophomore forward Nedeljko Golubovic a standing ovation for being the first ever Bulldog basketball player to get the Academic All-District award with an impressive 3.76 cumulative GPA.

7:21 p.m.
And the crowd is on their feet as Fresno States Bryce Cartwright dishes to Paul George, who hits a three from the wing to force a Boise State timeout. The three caps a big 7-0 run giving the Bulldogs a double digit lead. Out of the timeout a Fresno State steal leads to an electrifying fast break DUNK by Paul George!

7:05 p.m.
Its American Red Cross night at the Save Mart Center and the crowd is amped and on their feet ready for the tip-off of tonight's game against the Boise State Broncos. The student section is filled with approximately 90 Red Cross volunteers including the Bulldog volleyball team.

8:08 p.m. HST

Honoring A Day That Will Live In Infamy

Members of the Fresno State men's basketball team visited Pearl Harbor this morning.

It was a calm, sunny morning on the south side of O'ahu --- much like a painful day that stills lives in infamy over six score and eight years ago as men and women at Pearl Harbor endured and fought back against an aggressive Japanese attack that killed thousands of Americans.

Coach Cleveland presented a special opportunity to his team to see the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor this morning in a voluntary team activity. Twelve members of our Bulldog travel group met down in our hotel lobby for a 6:45 a.m. departure to pay tribute to history.

After arriving at the harbor, we walked down to the water to look out at a peaceful scene. There is simply a feeling in the air of sacrifice and suffering with a distinct appreciation for comradeship and the fighting spirit required for freedom.

Over the course of a season, we are lucky enough to travel to great parts of the country and today yielded no exception. As a part of a 75-plus minute program, we learned about the events that sparked the battles of World War II through an extended video showcasing rare footage of both Japanese fighters and the United States response before taking a ferry out to the memorial. In my short 23 years, I have seen memorials all across the country, but I can honestly say, the USS Arizona Memorial stands out as truly one-of-a -kind. The quick ferry ride takes you out to the exact location where the USS Arizona sank on Dec. 7, 1941 to a platform above the battleship. The platform serves a shrine with the names of those who lost their lives engraved on a wall. There are few parts of the ship at or above the surface of the water, but with the trade winds blowing briskly and sun beaming - the magnitude of that day soaks into your heart when you realize you are standing above a massive cemetery. The volunteer staff at the memorial told stories of how survivors from that day often ask to be set to rest with their fellow soldiers when they, themselves, pass on.

The team walked off the ferry after we left the memorial as different men. Anyone who takes the time to visit Pearl Harbor does.

For more information about Pearl Harbor, visit: www.nps.gov/usar

Other Notes From the Islands:

10:28 a.m. HST

Aloha from O'ahu

Good morning from the Valley Isle...

The Bulldogs are on the islands and preparing for tomorrow night's game with the Rainbow Warriors on "White Out" Night in the Stan Sheriff Center. The broadcast starts at 8:30 p.m. PST with Hittin' the Hardwood, followed by the WAC battle. You can watch the game on the Bulldog Sports Network (KAIL-TV) or www.espn360.com.

This morning, 12 of us took time to experience the Pearl Harbor Memorial. After an overcast afternoon yesterday, the skies opened up for a beautiful sunny morning on the harbor with some brisk trade winds. Check the blog later today for a detailed account of the morning. The guys really enjoyed the trip and have some great stories to share. It was a perfect start to the day.

"Mahalo" for taking the time to check in on the team and I am looking forward to giving you some updates from the trip...

Seay's 60-Foot Buzzer-Beating Miracle to Force Overtime with the First-Place Utah State Aggies

Coaches vs. Cancer
Coaches vs. Cancer "Suits and Sneakers Awareness Weekend," a collaborative initiative of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and the American Cancer Society (the Society), began yesterday at colleges and universities across the country and continues through tomorrow. Tonight at the Fresno State men's basketball game vs. WAC-leading Utah State, coaches and staff will participate.

Participating NABC-member coaches will wear sneakers instead of dress shoes with their usual game attire during weekend games to demonstrate their support for the Society and the fight against cancer. As well, fans and staff are encouraged to wear sneakers to games to demonstrate their support.

The V Foundation to raise money for Cancer Research is in honor of former NC State head coach Jimmy Valvano who passed of cancer in 1993.

By lacing up sneakers with their suits, participating coaches nationwide will spotlight the fact that while cancer remains a major health concern, everyone can take daily steps to reduce their risk of the disease. For those who do not smoke, weight control, exercise and a healthy diet are the best ways to improve health and reduce cancer risk. Obesity has been shown to increase the risk for many forms of cancer, including breast, prostate, and colon cancers and may account for 20 percent of cancer deaths in women and 14 percent in men.

However, according to a 2006 survey, only eight percent of people understand that excess weight is so strongly linked to cancer risk, while more than 80 percent know of the link between overweight and heart disease. Overweight and obesity are of particular concern in minority populations, with higher rates of both reported for Hispanic men and women and for African American women, than for non-Hispanic white adults.

"'Suits and Sneakers Awareness Weekend' provides a tremendous opportunity for college basketball coaches nationwide to demonstrate their support for the American Cancer Society's work to fight the disease and save lives, said Maryland coach Gary Williams, 2008-09 chair of the Coaches vs. Cancer Council. "The money raised through 'Suits and Sneakers' will fund vital research and support numerous services for cancer patients, their families and caregivers."

In addition to Williams, who won an NCAA Championship in 2002, among other active Coaches vs. Cancer participants are some of nation's top coaches - five others of whom have also won NCAA titles (dates noted), including Mike Krzyzewski (Duke, 1991, '92, 2001); Jim Calhoun (Connecticut, '99, '04); Jim Boeheim (Syracuse, '03); Roy Williams (North Carolina, '05); Tubby Smith (Minnesota, but won title at Kentucky, '98); Mike Brey (Notre Dame); Mark Few (Gonzaga); Phil Martelli (Saint Joseph's); Fran Dunphy (Temple); and Mark Gottfried (Alabama).

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of college and high school coaches across the country, Coaches vs. Cancer participants have raised nearly $45 million since 1993 to help the Society fund groundbreaking cancer research, provide up-to-date cancer information and education, advocate for public health policies that benefit communities, and deliver services that improve the quality of life for patients and their families. Additional information is available at www.cancer.org/coaches.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 13 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information anytime, call toll free, 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

Fresno State Men's Basketball: Player of the Week (Jan. 19-26) --- Paul George

Freshman guard Paul George can easily be recognized during his flights through the air over the hardwood of basketball floors throughout the country.

Every week, I get to select one of the student-athletes our roster as the player of the week for the men's basketball team. This selection is then sent to the Western Athletic Conference office, which chooses the WAC Player of the Week.

George was one of seven Bulldogs to earn over a 3.0 grade point average during the 2008 fall semester.

For his efforts leading the team in scoring 16 points in the Bulldogs' 63-46 win over Louisiana Tech, I nominated freshman guard Paul George of Palmdale, Calif.

The official nomination read as follows:

Paul George, a freshman guard, averaged 18.0 points, 4.0 assists and 3.5 rebounds for the week of Jan. 19-25. George led Fresno State to its first conference win of the season with a 17-point victory (63-46) over Louisiana Tech as he recorded a team-high 16 points, including a pair of 3-pointers and hitting all four free-throw attempts. Later in the week, George added 20 more points against the San Jose Spartans as he netted 4 of 6 attempts from beyond the 3-point arc in the second half to spark the Bulldogs to erase a 14-point halftime deficit. While George took good shots and finished the week perfect from the charity stripe, he also found his teammates to impact the scoreboard with a career-high six assists recorded by the primarily shooting guard. He tied a career-high with three steals and moved back to the top of the Western Athletic Conference in 3-point shooting as he has completed 41 of 87 attempts this season for a league-best 47.1 percent. George leads by example with a quiet humility that has garnered the respect of his team as a true young leader, who also excels in the classroom as one of seven Bulldogs that earned over a 3.0 grade point average during the 2008 fall semester.

The process started back in November with the start of the regular and season. George was also nominated four other times this season (Nov. 17-23, Dec. 1-7, Dec. 15-21 and Dec. 29-Jan. 4). Junior forward Sylvester Seay has been Fresno State's representative three times this season (Dec. 8-14, Dec. 22-28 and Jan. 12-18) while senior guard Dwight O'Neil in the opening week of the season as the lone returning senior as well as for the weeks of Nov. 24-30 and Jan. 5-11.

Support the `Dogs on Wednesday night as they return home for their final home non-conference game of the year with a 7 p.m. contest against the Houston Baptist Huskies.

Bulldog Game Day: On the Road at San Jose State

Sophomore center Brandon Webster earned a career-high 31 minutes in first meeting this year with SJSU.

Who: Fresno State (8-11, 1-4 WAC) at San Jose State (8-9, 2-4 WAC)
Where: San Jose, Calif. (The Event Center)
When: 7 p.m. PST
Radio: www.kmj580.com

The `Dogs arrived up here in San Jose late last night. After breakfast, the team watched film at the hotel and we are now heading over to the SJSU campus for a walk-through practice. The win on Thursday night was huge - a 17-point thumping of Louisiana Tech cleared a big WAC hurdle by picking up what had been an elusive first conference win. The last two weeks of Bulldog Basketball have been crisper, stronger and smarter with a renewed emphasis on playing as a complete and cohesive unit.

If you can make the drive up to San Jose, it's about a two and a half hour trip by car and there are plenty of great seats left to support your Bulldogs. You can also listen to the game over the air on KMJ 580 AM and on www.kmj580.com with the call by Paul Loeffler and Randy Rosenbloom.

Click HERE to read our full game preview.

A couple notes on the game...

The Lincoln Memorial

Stephen Trembley
Fresno State Media Relations
FRESNO, Calif.
Jan. 20, 2009

Writing Your Next Chapter

A new President.

A new beginning.

A new chapter.

Regardless of your political affiliation and leanings, all Americans can celebrate this as a day where we can witness the power of our democracy.

We saw a peaceful transfer of power. We saw the nation choosing one of our own as the 44th President of the United States of America. We saw the first African-American take the oath of the highest office.

But most importantly, this can be a time of reflection as we turn the page to a new chapter of our history.

This is where we bring in Bulldog Basketball.

Head Coach Steve Cleveland and the Bulldogs return to the hardwood on Thursday night at 7 p.m. for a battle of the 'Dogs in the Save Mart Center.

With two hard-fought road games last week, Fresno State showed that there is no quit in this team and they are itching to turn the page with their first win of the conference season as they prepare for the "Battle of the `Dogs" on Thursday night (7 p.m. PST) in the Save Mart Center.

Coach Cleveland is convinced that this team will never quit and this team has showed no sign that they are done. There are 14 games to go before the WAC Tournament begins in less than two months, which gives the `Dogs plenty of time to get ready to do something special come March and its Madness.

Last March, I had the privilege to visit Washington D.C. and walk the halls of the Capitol, take a late-night stroll to the Lincoln Memorial and have conversations with the staffs of various San Joaquin Valley congressmen highlighting the importance of higher education. It was a time where I reflected while walking from the Jefferson Memorial to the Washington Mall. It's a special place. I distinctly remember each moment. Our history comes to life in our nation's capital.

I now work for my alma mater, a university that I have always had a deep passion for helping. I still have the joy of continuing to advocate and showcase the hard work of students on campus. This next March, I am fully ready to go wherever these guys on our team set their mind to wanting and earning their right to play.

Today is a day that shows that anything is possible --- just as we saw last June in Omaha. The power of working together and toward a common purpose can mold into a beautiful piece of art.

If you get a chance, take this opportunity to reflect on your past and where you want to go. There may be rough moments, but if you reach the horizon, there is no telling what you can accomplish.

Only time will write the pages of the new chapters of our life. It's time to get out a pen and start writing your story.

Freshman guard Paul George meets Nevada Wolf Pack freshman Luke Babbitt in a Saturday night WAC battle.

Freshman Phenom vs. Freshman Phenom

I hope you are going to watch the game on the Bulldog Sports Network tonight (tip slated for 7:07 p.m. PST) as the `Dogs are in position to snap a six-game losing streak to the Nevada Wolf Pack and in the process pick up their first win in conference action. The teams are very familiar with each other, but both squads are overwhelming young. Fresno State gets their first in-person look at Nevada freshman standout and the current WAC Player of the Week in Luke Babbitt. The Reno native, Babbitt, decided to stay home to play for the Wolf Pack as a McDonald's All-American, who backed out of a verbal commitment to play at Ohio State so he could stay closer to home. He is one of two WAC freshmen in the top ten in the nation by freshmen scorers. The other: Paul George, the Bulldog from Palmdale, Calif., who is lights out from beyond the three-point arc by leading the conference by hitting 33 of 71 three-point attempts this year and leads Fresno State in scoring, rebounding and a variety of other statistical categories.

So who will step up? Babbitt, George, an unsung hero... the only way to find out is to sit back, relax and enjoy some good old fashioned college basketball.

GO DOGS!

No `Dogs Down

The Jim Sweeney football mantra has been revived and reinvigorated by head men's basketball coach Steve Cleveland --- NO `DOGS DOWN!

Before last night's game, Cleveland told the team that they will always fight, that they will never give up and they can play with anybody in the league. He notes that this team has the opportunity to be the most improved team in the conference if they continue to execute better and make smart decisions. He will not let these `Dogs get down.

Sylvester Seay recorded the third-best scoring performance of any WAC player this season on Thursday night against Utah State.

It was a tough environment and the Bulldogs, quite frankly, thrived.

They have a chance tomorrow night to get familiar to a place where the season will ultimately either end or spring a set of underdogs onto the national stage. One thing is for sure - the Bulldogs can spark their potential at any point and they will return to Reno in less than two months for the 2009 WAC Tournament in Reno when the real season begins - the postseason. The countdown is on with 14 games left in the regular season.

Make sure to tune into the Bulldog Sports Network Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. for Hittin' the Hardwood, followed by the main event with the Nevada Wolf Pack at 7 p.m.

GO DOGS! BEAT THE WOLF PACK!

Road Trip Notes: The team arrived early this morning in Reno, Nev. around 8:45 a.m. PST... After getting some rest this afternoon, the team watched film and made their way over to the Lawlor Event Center for a nighttime focused and detailed practice... Some of the team activites from today and tomorrow will be showcased in a special behind-the-scenes feature on Sunday night during the Bulldog Insider on KSEE-24 at 6:30 p.m.

The Full Spectrum

Today's blog comes to you again from the brisk yet rejuvenating small town of Logan, Utah.

As the overwhelming young Bulldog team prepares to meet the WAC-leading Utah State Aggies tonight, it's a good time to look at how dominate the Aggies have been in the unique, but exciting Dee Glen Smith Spectrum and provide some context for the upcoming match-up.

Fresno State's all-time assists leader Kevin Bell recorded a then career-high 25 points as the Bulldogs upset the Aggies, 71-66, back in 2007 that snapped Utah State's 15-game home winning streak.

Here are just a few numbers to ponder...

Despite losing last year in Logan, Fresno State is the last WAC team to beat Utah State in the Spectrum.

Back on March 3, 2007, a career night by Fresno State's all-assists leader Kevin Bell (a then-career high 25 points) and current Washington Wizard Dominic McGuire picked up his 14th career double-double (18 points and 11 rebounds) as the Bulldogs stunned a raucous Aggie crowd 71-66 and snapped Utah State's 15-game home winning streak.

Utah State currently holds a 26-game home winning streak, fourth-best in the country and an Aggie win tonight will put them in a tie for third.

The arena is a bowl. There is not a bad seat in the house that lists 10,270 as its capacity, but in reality in can seem like more as everyone feels like they are right on the floor.

One way to quiet a crowd is to get out to an early lead and continually attack on offense and defense. The `Dogs have done it before and enjoy playing in hostile environments. A couple of the guys on the team have told me they thrive on playing in front of large crowds and in non-friendly environments. They say it makes the game even more fun to play.

Tune into tonight and watch the battle at the Spectrum on the Bulldog Sports Network (BSN)... GO DOGS!

Utah Connections

Head Coach Steve Cleveland and the Bulldogs will try to snap Utah State's 26-game home winning streak Thursday night at 6 p.m. PST on BSN in the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum.

Fresno State will play Utah State, based in Logan, Utah, tomorrow night at 6 p.m. PST, but the trip out to the Beehive State (Utah's nickname) also marks a homecoming for a couple of Bulldog coaches.

Head Coach Steve Cleveland established a national postseason contender in eight successful years at the helm of the Brigham Young University men's basketball program rebuilding a Cougar program that had struggled to a 1-25 record before he took over. Cleveland returned to his hometown of Fresno in 2005 after posting a 138-108 record at BYU and guiding the Cougars to five straight postseason tournament invitations (3 NCAA bids). He also produced a league best 24 All-Conference Academic selections during his tenure at BYU.

BYU is located in Provo, Utah, about forty minutes from where our flight landed from Fresno in Salt Lake City, Utah. Before leaving SLC, our bus took a quick trip downtown around and Cleveland pointed out the Energy Solutions Arena (where the Utah Jazz play their home games) before passing by the State Capitol building and other landmarks. This trip is the first to the state of Utah for the vast majority of the team.

One member of the coaching staff was missing on the bus ride as our Associate Head Coach Jeff Reinert took some time to meet up with some friends at a school where he reached unprecedented success.

Associate Head Coach Jeff Reinert demonstrating post play with sophomore Nedeljko Golubovic earlier this year in practice.

Reinert, who is in his second season with Fresno State, visited Utah Valley University (which was called Utah Valley State College during his tenure as head coach) this morning and afternoon. He led the Wolverines to a 179-77 record. Reinert left the program (located in Orem, Utah) as the school's all-time winningest coach (having won 70 percent of his games) and the only coach to lead the program to the national tournament. Reinert's teams won at least 20 games six times and never posted a losing record. In 1995-96, Reinert guided the Wolverines to the Scenic West Athletic Conference title and received recognition as the Region 18 Coach of the Year. During his time at UVSC (then a two-year school), Reinert sent more than 40 players to four-year colleges.

Reinert also has ties to BYU, where he served as an assistant coach for three years (1992-1994). Over the three-year span, the Cougars won two Western Athletic Conference titles, earned two NCAA Tournament berths and one NIT appearance while notching a 72-26 overall record, winning 20-plus games each season.

As a passionate advocate of higher education, Reinert founded of the Todd Curran Memorial Scholarship Fund in his home state of Washington. This fund awards two $5,000 scholarships to graduating seniors every year. Reinert has awarded more than 32 scholarships since he started the fund. Also of note, Reinert oversees academics for Fresno State's men's basketball program and seven Bulldogs recorded a 3.0 grade point average or higher during the 2008 fall semester. I will follow-up with a special release on the strong state of the program from an academics standpoint.

Thanks for reading the Bulldog Blog today and make sure to check out tomorrow night's game with Utah State on the Bulldog Sports Network (KAIL/MY53, cable channel 13 in Fresno). You can watch the game online for free (on college campuses and certain internet providers) on www.espn360.com or with Bulldog All-Access right here on www.gobulldogs.com. You can also listen to Paul Loeffler and Randy Rosenbloom's radio call on KMJ 580 AM or www.kmj580.com.

The Halfway Point

Good afternoon, Red Wave... As I sit in our Media Relations office finishing some final elements for our first conference road trip, I thought this would be a great time to look back at our season since we hit the halfway point of the 2008-09 season last Saturday after hosting San Jose State (we have played 16 of 31 regular season games, with one guaranteed game in the 2009 WAC Tournament bringing the grand total to at least 32 and hopefully some added bonus action by spending some time in the postseason).

After graduating from Fresno State last May, I started working for Fresno State Athletics last August and January is also the halfway mark of my internship with the men's basketball team. Over the past few months, I have been lucky enough to witness some really cool moments and I review my Top 5 below...

Senior guard Dwight O'Neil dunks on a breakaway against San Diego State.

5. Alumni Gathering at San Diego State
After playing in front of 3,000-plus in the intimate Saint Mary's McKeon Pavilion (in a game that I will revisit later), we headed down I-5 for our longest bus ride of the season (six hours) for a game at San Diego State. The longtime rivalry between the Aztecs and Bulldogs is unique. There is a tremendous amount of respect between the two programs as former WAC foes before SDSU joined the Mountain West Conference and a significant number of Bulldog alumni live in the San Diego area, who like to see the two teams play each other. As Coach Cleveland talked with about 40 members of the Red Wave in a conference room to the east of arena before the game, you could tell he enjoys playing the Aztecs and hopes to play a home and home each year with SDSU, which dates back to his time at BYU. We were just two games into a fresh season that held a number of question marks and Cleveland gave a rundown of his new personnel and outlook for the season. At this point, the optimism of the unknown was still hot off the presses and gave a sense of hope. While the final score provided an early wake-up call, this journey was vital to teaching a young and primarily inexperienced team how to compete on the road.

Junior forward Brian Seals grabbed a career-high and team season-high 12 rebounds against USC Upstate. >

4. Seals Owns Boards
Brian Seals is not your average Division I athlete. He attended Consumnes River College (a junior college) and averaged a double-double a game (10 points/10 rebounds). These are good numbers, but not necessarily a recipe for success at college's highest level. As Fresno State sat at 5-5 on the year, Seals had earned only one start in those first ten games despite having the highest field goal percentage on the team (.545) while averaging 3.2 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. The Bulldogs dominated the second round of the Las Vegas Classic (that they hosted the first two rounds) by beating the winless USC Upstate 72-47. At the end of the day, Fresno State took care of business with their largest win of the season, led in large part to a big night by Seals' on the boards (a Bulldog season-high 12 rebounds). Brian has told me that he is always ready to go. When one of the student-athletes couldn't make one of our pre-recorded feature seasons, he was the first guy I asked to fill in and he responded by saying that he is always ready to fill-in. He has since earned another pair of starts and just plays the game the right way: always going as hard as he can with a team-first mentality. I enjoyed seeing him succeed. He deserved some recognition.

O'Neil, the only senior on the Bulldogs roster hit a game-winner on the road at Pacific with 0.9 seconds left on the clock.

3. Winning at Pacific on Last Second Shot
On a Blackout Night in Stockton, this was a game where you had that gut feeling that it was going to go down to the wire. It was a see-saw battle with nine lead changes and seven ties. Pacific led by as many as eight and Fresno State led by as many as seven. What I remember from this trip is how Paul George and Mychal Ladd, two freshmen who had already showed brilliance earlier in the season, molded this into a team game (and they also shot nearly 80% from the field combined) and let the lone senior on the roster win the game. The score was knotted at 64 and Cleveland called a timeout for an in-bound play with just seconds left on the clock. He pulled a play from his days coaching high school (to ensure that the Tigers hadn't seen the play on tape) and O'Neil found a spot under the basket to bank in the game-winner. Winning on the road is always satisfying. Winning period is always satisfying. This was a huge win for the morale of the team.

Freshman guard Paul George is a dunking machine and also Fresno State's leading scorer and rebounder.

2. The Paul George Dunk
Most people would place this as the best moment of the year. It's hard to argue that point, but it stays at No. 2 for me because we fell short in the desired outcome of the game. But nothing, and I mean nothing, can take anything away from this dunk. It was that good. It's the kind of dunk where it doesn't matter how many times it has been viewed on YouTube (60,000 and counting - but who's counting?) because I will always remember how amazing it was in person. I was sitting courtside in the rowdy, obnoxious and passionate gym on the beautiful campus Saint Mary's College (just about a half an hour from where I grew up in San Ramon, Calif.) and will never forget how the deafening sound of this monster one-handed slam dunk silenced the Gael faithful. They wanted to cheer. I know they did. Some of them gave their props. But by George, Paul cemented his place in Sportscenter lore. As I watched ESPN that night, it was all about this kid - Paul George. Everybody now knows his name. When he talks about it now, he's humble and focused and one of the first to give credit to his teammates. He keeps dunking and has earned respect. With a little more experience, he just might step up and continue to shock people.

Freshman point guard Bryce Cartwright erupted for a career-high 20 points as the Bulldogs beat Cal Poly in a 90-87 OT thrilling come-from-behind victory.

1. OT Road Win
After a difficult road trip in Las Vegas, a return game from last year's ESPNU Bracketbusters provided a platform to finish 2008 on a high note. Before the game, Bryce Cartwright got a letter from his dad, Anthony, on his phone. With a career-high of only seven points recorded in a game entering the Monday contest on the coast, Bryce knew he needed to show the coaching staff why he was their point guard. He did so with defense. He did so by hitting all but one shot. He did so by draining a half-court heave at the first half buzzer. He did so by willing his team that was down by as many as 13 to a come-from-behind hard-fought overtime win on the road. W's matter and help make the trip back to Fresno more enjoyable as at this level success is defined by excellence. As we walked to the bus, Bryce showed me that letter from his dad and the goals he laid out for his son to succeed. Sometimes some words of encouragement go a long way.

We leave for Logan, Utah at the break of dawn tomorrow. The last time I was in Logan, another Fresno State freshman had a career-day when Kevin Goessling sent a 58-yard field goal through the north uprights as time expired in the `Dogs 30-28 football win this past October. I got a chance to quickly check out the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum and I am really excited to see the place full with 6,000-plus students and thousands of other Aggie fans in what I am told is quite the experience.

Both games will be broadcast live on both television and radio with the Bulldog Sports Network debuting for 2009 on KAIL/MY53 with Ralph Wood and Bob Donewald bringing you the call while KMJ 580AM continues its coverage of Fresno State Athletics as Paul Loeffler and Randy Rosenbloom provide the play-by-play and analysis. You can also watch the game online at www.espn360.com or www.gobulldogs.com or listen online at www.kmj580.com.

Keep checking the Bulldog Blog this week for updates from Logan and Reno.

GO DOGS! BEAT THE AGGIES!

9:09 p.m. - The 'Dogs tried every possible type of three point attempt in the final seconds after the Spartans took the lead at the free throw line. The Spartans prevail through the overtime and take home a victory, 71-68. Fresno state was paced by Dwight O'Neal's career high performance of 22 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Freshman Paul George added 18 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals. Their performance just wasn't enough as the Spartans made their free throws at the end of the game to take the win back north. C.J Webster of San Jose, the cousin of Fresno State's Brandon Webster had a career high 23 points.
FINAL SCORE: 71-68, Spartans

9:05 p.m.-The Spartans take the lead with 34.3. It is the first lead for the San Jose since the 15:27 left in the first half at that time they lead by six.

9:03 p.m.-With one minute remaining in the game, the Dogs are up by one, 68-67.

9:02 p.m.-Dwight is at the line shooting two free throws. He finally breaks his career high by making one of the two.

8:59 p.m.-The score is tied in the Savemart before a defensive rebound by Seay and a tomahawk dunk by George. The crowd of 9,002 erupted.

8:54 p.m.-Spartans purposely miss the second free throw and got the offensive rebound to score a lay-up and tie the game at 63. The time has expired and we're going into overtime.

8:52 p.m.-Spartans are claming their way back and the fans at the Savemart Center are biting their nails. The score is 63-60, with 15.0 seconds left on the clock.

8:50 p.m.-SCORE UPDATE: 62-59, `Dogs lead.

8:46 p.m. - The Spartans are fighting hard, but the Bulldogs are holding on strong to the 61-58 lead with 36.9 seconds left in the game.

8:41 p.m.-The Bulldogs are still leading 61-57, with 60 seconds left in the game. O'Neal has tied his career high with 21 points. He also has six assists, six rebounds and one block. He's 8 of 12 from the field.

8:31 p.m.-With 4:58 left in the game, the Bulldogs are leading 61-55. This came about after a big time block by Sylvester Seay. The coach complained and thought it was goaltending but from the replay it seemed clean. The `Dogs now have six blocks. Two of them belonging to Seay.

8:26 p.m.-Dwight hits another three pointer to add to his big night. His is now 4 of 5 from beyond the arc. The Dogs lead 55-48 with 7:41 to go in the game.

8:20 p.m.-Brandon Webster, a sophomore from Bryan, Texas, came off the bench to provide quality minutes for the Bulldogs. He has six points on a perfect 3 for 3 shooting.

8:16 p.m.-The Dogs own the rebound edge, 22-18 and shooting an astonishing 61.8% from the field.

8:14 p.m.-SCORE UPDATE: 51-46, Bulldogs.

8:11 pm.-THIS JUST IN: Is Paul George scores 20 points then he will have reached 250 total career points.

8:06 p.m.-At the 15:28 mark, Paul George almost punctures the basketball with a tenacious block on defense.

8:04 p.m.-The Spartans are being evenly paced by C.J Webster and Chris Oakes who both have 12.

8:01 p.m.-O'Neal continues his dominance. He scores the first bucket to sit the fans down quickly, making the score 46-35.

8:00 p.m.-The Bulldog fans are on their feet as Fresno State begins the second half with possession of the ball.

7:47 p.m.-At the half, the `Dogs are sitting pretty comfy leading 44-35. O'Neal has been on fire as his point total accumulated to 15 points to go along with three assists and two steals on 5 of 7 shooting.

7:40 p.m.-Dwight O'Neal is showing true leadership as he is carrying his team on his back. He has 15 points on 4 of 6 shooting, including 3 three pointers.

7:32 p.m.-With 4:56 left in the game the `Dogs are leading at home by three, 29-26.

7:31 p.m.-MONSTER BLOCK by Dwight O'Neal. He soared through the air to stop the fast break lay-up, momentum and to stop the Spartans from tying the game.

7:30 p.m.-Paul George and Dwight O'Neal are pacing the Bulldogs with seven points apiece.

7:24 p.m.-The WAC foes are tied at 23 with 8:39 to go in the half.

7:23 p.m.-The O'Neal show. Dwight has scored five straight points for the Bulldogs.

7:20 p.m.-The `Dogs are raining three's...they are three for six from beyond the arc. Dwight O'Neal made one that helped the Bulldogs tie.

7:18 p.m.-SCORE UPDATE: With 12:05 remaining the score is 17 -16, Spartans.

7:16 p.m.-Another defensive stop for the `Dogs with Seay stepping up and taking a much needed charge. He also added a lot of emotion with it.

7:13 p.m.-Brandon Webster gets a defense stop by sending the ball back down the Spartans throat.

7:08 p.m.-As the Spartan coach yells..."Shooter, Shooter," Paul George drains the first three pointer of the game.

7:07 p.m.-Tip-Off is scheduled. San Jose gains possession of the tip.

7:00 p.m. -Tonight's game will be streamlined live (by audio) with Paul Loeffler and Randy Rosenbloom bringing you the call courtside on KMJ 580 and www.kmj580.com. Fresno State leads the overall series with San Jose State, 76-70. The Bulldogs have only competed against Pacific more than San Jose State more times in the history of the program. The 'Dogs won the meeting with the Spartans and are 19 of their last 22 against them. San Jose state are lead by Adrian Oliver a PAC-10 transfer from Washington averaging 19.6 points per game but is not suited up tonight. This in-state rival game marks the second game of the Bulldogs homestead. The Bulldogs should be at full strength tonight and will look to their leading scorer; a true freshman from Palmdale, Calif. Sylvester Seay is leading the WAC in blocks this season.

Starting Lineup:
G-Dwight O'Neal
G-Paul George
G-Mychal Ladd
F-Brian Seals
F-Nedeljko Golubovic

GAME UPDATES: Fresno State vs. New Mexico State...WAC Home Opener (All Time Pacific)

8:54 p.m.-FINAL SCORE 79-66, Aggies. The Bulldogs tried to go on a run at the end of the game finishing with a ferocious dunk by Brian Seals and two consecutive threes, one by Brandon Sperling and the other by Mychal Ladd. The `Dogs have a week off before they get ready to battle in-state rivals, San Jose State on Jan. 10th at 7 p.m.

8:48 p.m.-Paul George and Sylvester Seay have an identical stat line with 2:30 left in the game. They each have 13 points, nine rebounds and one steal.

8:40 p.m.-The Bulldogs cut the scoring deficit to 10 points. The 64-54 is the closes its been since the 11:15 mark of the first half when the score was 6-12 in favor of the Aggies.

8:31 p.m.- Score is still in favor of the Aggies 64-46, 8:36 left in the game.

8:28 p.m.-The Bulldogs are in the bonus with 10:30 seconds left in the game.

8:25 p.m.-Myles Green provided a spark off the bench for the `Dogs. His first shot of the game was a three pointer and it hit nothing but the bottom of the net.

8:22 p.m.-Paul George hits the second three pointer of the game for the `Dogs.

8:18 p.m.-Aggies still lead (52-35) with 14:32 left in the second half.

8:13 p.m.-Make it FOUR IN A ROW. O'Neal misses a three and Ladd was there for the off side offensive rebound, he lays it in and gets fouled.

8:10 p.m.-Paul George takes the take to stop the Aggie lay in.

8:08 p.m.-THREE IN A ROW...an assist from Ladd led to another AND ONE opportunity. Then less than 20 seconds later, George hustles and gets a steal that then aided in an O'Neal AND ONE opportunity. Including the AND ONE from Ladd in the previous series, that helped the `Dogs get on a roll offensively.

8:06 p.m.-The Bulldogs get the ball at the beginning of the second half. After being patient on offense Paul George takes a 15 foot jumper, misses, then gets his offensive rebound. Mychal Ladd then gets his first points of the game on a lay-up plus the foul. He then converts on the free throw.

7:51 p.m.-END OF THE FIRST HALF The Aggies lead 40-22.

7:45 p.m.-At the near end of the half, Dwight O'Neal connects on the `Dogs first three pointer of the game.

7:44 p.m.-Seay earns his second block of the game. The Bulldogs get back to try and create offense. After a missed short jump shot by O'Neal the `Dogs had a series tips. O'Neal and Seay battled down low to try and tip the ball in for two points. Both Seay and O'Neal tipped it twice before Seay got credited with the basket.

7:39 p.m.- The score is 14-31 with the Aggies leading and 3:35 left to go in the first half.

7:33 p.m.- Paul Geroge is on a roll as he scores four straight points for the `Dogs. First the block, then the dunk, then the fall away jumper...I wonder what's next.

7:31 p.m.-The Bulldogs score their first points since the 14:45 mark with Brandon Websters free throws.

7:30 p.m.-Paul George smashes Jonathan Gipson's layup out of bounds. New Mexico State's star thought he had an easy lay in before George swatted it into the stands.

7:20 p.m.-At the 10:17 mark, the Aggies have their largest lead of the half at 14-6.

7:15 p.m.-BLOCK CITY: Sylvester Seay soars through the air and aggressively blocks Hernst Laroche's shot into the crowd.

7:09 p.m.- Bulldogs lead 4-2, but both teams are playing rather slow. There have only been a total of three field goals as four minutes have ticked of the clock.

New Mexico State is a very young team. They only have one senior and two juniors on their roster.

7:04 p.m. -Tonight's game will be streamlined live (by audio) with Paul Loeffler and Randy Rosenbloom bringing you the call courtside on KMJ 580 and www.kmj580.com. Fresno State trails the overall series with New Mexico State, 17-12. The Aggies have won the past two contests but the `Dogs have won three of the past five meetings. The 'Dogs should be at full strength tonight and will look to their leading scorer, a true freshman from Palmdale, Calif. Another true freshman, Bryce Cartwright, will look to follow-up his break out performance of 20 points. He connected on 8 of 9 shooting from the field. Mychal Ladd is a quiet spark, who is counted on to take great shots and play suffocating defense.

Starting Line-up:
PG-Bryce Cartwright
SG-Dwight O'Neal
F-Paul George
F-Sylvester Seay
F-Ned Golubovic

Tip-off is set for 7:07 p.m.

GAME UPDATES: Fresno State at Cal Poly (All Times Pacific)
11:40 p.m. - The team bus is still heading back to Fresno. Should be home shortly. Let's pack the house on Saturday night. These guys are fun to watch.

9:30 p.m. - 'Dogs win 90-87.

8:46 p.m. - END OF 2nd: 76-76. This game is going to overtime.

8:24 p.m. - Despite this game testing the anxiety of significant Fresno State crowd that made the trip to the coast, the 'Dogs are down by only six (64-58). Hang on to those hats and glasses as this could be a wild finish.

8:14 p.m. - Cartwright continues to deliver. Fresno State trails by five (56-51) after Bryce hit a 3-pointer from the left corner.

8:10 p.m. - Cal Poly leads 52-44 (14:18 left in the second). Mychal Ladd now leads the team with 11 points and Cartwight continues to create scoring opportunities.

7:43 p.m. - HALFTIME SCORE: Cal Poly 35, Fresno State 34
What a comeback in this first half! Paul George stepped up at the end of the half and Bryce Cartwright banked in a three-pointer at the first half buzzer to nearly completely close what had been a 13 point deficit with under eight minutes left in the first half. George leads the way with nine points followed by an impressive six converted by Mychal Ladd. O'Neil and Cartwright each have five points. Seay adds four points and four rebounds. This is a close battle. Of note, Cal Poly beat Portland State earlier this year (Portland State beat Gonzaga). But most importantly, the game is a battle and the highlight reels should be well restocked.

7:40 p.m. - Time for another Paul George highlight reel dunk. I hope there is footage somewhere because Paul just forced a steal and took a steal uncontested for yet another one-handed slam dunk. On the next play, George forced another steal and the Mustangs resorted to fouling him instead letting him dunk again. (Cal Poly 30, Fresno State 26)

7:34 p.m. - A pair of steals by Bryce Cartwright converted to a pair of lay-ups has Fresno State within six. (Cal Poly 27, Fresno State 21)

7:30 p.m. - O'Neil just hit Fresno State's first three-pointer of the game to cut the Mustang lead to 25-17 (under 6 to play in the first).

7:22 p.m. - Cal Poly leads 20-9 with 7:54 left in the first half. Four 'Dogs each have a basket: Golubovic, O'Neil, Seay and Webster.

7:08 p.m. - Cal Poly leads early 4-2. The two points for the 'Dogs belong to Sylvester Seay who drained a two-pointer from the left side. Both teams are working some rust as they settle into the game.

7:02 p.m. - Tip Off

Starting Line-up:
PG - Dwight O'Neil
SG - Mychal Ladd
G - Paul George
F - Nedeljko Golubovic
F - Sylvester Seay

6:56 p.m. - With under five minutes to the tip and while we are well short of a sellout here in Mott Gymnasium (with a listed capacity of 3,032), there is a good chance this arena is going to end up with a third pulling for Fresno State. The Bulldogs received a loud, encouraging and bigger reception then for the home team from the crowd. This is much different from the hostile environment back on Nov. 17 for the Saint Mary's game. It is always great to see the Red Wave travel and support these 'Dogs.

6:43 p.m. - The "rowdy" Mustang pep band just entered the stands: 3 drummers, a trio of trumpets and saxophones, a trombone, another horn, a clarinet and even a flute round out the ensemble. 17 minutes to tip off.

6:25 p.m. - The Red Wave made it a priority to spend some time in San Luis Obispo this weekend. There have to be more almost 100 Fresno State fans (compared to maybe 50 Mustang faithful) already in Cal Poly's Mott Gym ready to cheer on the 'Dogs for this Monday night contest. We are 25 minutes away from tip off.

Stay tuned to the Blog for Game Updates.

9:58 a.m.
Heading to Cal Poly
As our bus passes Paso Robles, most of the team took advantage of their seats on the bus to get some sleep after leaving campus around 7:45 a.m. this morning. A smooth ride through the California hills places these 'Dogs now on Highway 46. Even though we are sitting at 6-7 and coming off a pair of losses in the final rounds of the Las Vegas Classic, there appears to be a renewed sense of focus and determination for the final tune-up before WAC play starts at home on Saturday with a 7 p.m. tilt with New Mexico State. With school on hiatus until mid-January, the guys are hoping to find their rhythm and learn from their initial non-conference adversity that centered around youth and a lack of experience. The freshmen will have at least 14 games under their belt by the time league action starts while redshirt senior guard and team leader Dwight O'Neil will be playing in his 85th game as a Bulldog on Saturday. But let's not forget these guys have a lot of basketball under their belts. They have been playing the game for longer then most of them can remember. They grew up with basketballs molded into their hands and as a part of their lifestyles. All that experience will come into a clearer focus in the coming days... but for now. It's all about starting strong and finishing strong. The Bulldogs are 5-0 this season when leading at halftime and 4-0 when leading with five minutes to play in the game. Another key stat to look at: Can the 'Dogs outrebound the Mustangs? If they do... a victory may also be in store. The Bullodgs have yet to win a game this year when they lost the battle of the boards.

7:05 a.m.
About to Board the Bus to Cal Poly
After a brief break timed with the holidays, the team is just finishing packing and we are slated to leave Fresno within the hour. Even though most other Fresno State students are at home or enjoying a nice four-plus week break from required activities, student-athletes might get a day off every now and then as they perfect their craft while working toward their respective degree. Whether it is on the court, on the lacrosse field, or in the swimming pool, practice is a crucial element to winning championships.

Tonight's game will be streamlined live (by audio) with Paul Loeffler and Randy Rosenbloom bringing you the call courtside on KMJ 580 and www.kmj580.com. Even though Fresno State has won the last 11 meetings with Cal Poly, the task of going into someone's home court and winning is a significant challenge. The 'Dogs should be at full strength tonight and will look to their leading scorer, a true freshman from Palmdale, Calif. --- Paul George --- to get the Bulldogs back in the win column and back to .500 on the year. Don't be surprised if Sylvester Seay or Mychal Ladd have break out nights as well. Sylvester highlighted the 'Dogs play in Las Vegas as he averaged 17.5 points against Creighton and Saint Louis. Ladd is a quiet spark, who is due to deliver by relying on taking good shots and stepping up the pressure on defense.

Tip off is set for 7 p.m.

GAME UPDATES: Las Vegas Classic --- Fresno State vs. Creighton

See our special release: CLICK HERE

Seals' Dunk on YouTube
Junior forward Brian Seals delivered a major dunk on Cal State Bakersfield last Wednesday. While the video has only 142 views at this point, there is still time for it to reach Paul George's dunk from Nov. 17, 2008 against the Saint Mary's Gaels that made Sportscenter and has received nearly 60,000 views on YouTube.

Seals earned a start against Montana, his first as a Bulldog, and grabbed a career-high five rebounds.

While I am looking for an even better video to be posted of the dunk as it truly was a monster of a two-handed tomahawk slam, this is a good start.

Brian Seals Dunking on Roadrunners

3:01 p.m.
Montana Grizzlies come away with the win beating the Bulldogs, 69- 65. Sylvester Seay lead the team with 17 points, while Ned Golubovic knocked in 14 and Paul George netted 13. Brian Seals lead the team in rebounds with five and right behind him was George, Bryce Cartwright, Seay, and Mychal Ladd with four rebounds apiece. George and Brandon Sperling finished the game with three steals each. O'Neil recorded six assists for the Bulldogs.

2:55 p.m.
Dwight O'Neil hit a three to bring the `Dogs within three with 6.3 seconds left on the clock!! Go `Dogs!

2:44 p.m.
With 1:49 left on the clock the Bulldogs are down by six. Free throws from Sylvester Seay and Ned Golubovic have helped cut the Grizzlies lead. Seay knocked down a HUGE dunk to being the 'Dogs within four with 1:03 left.

2:32 p.m.
Paul George just came up with a steal that resulted in a BIG DUNK for the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs are trailing by six with 4:14 remaining. The `Dogs are making a run late in the game.

2:02 p.m.
Sylvester Seay knocked the ball in from beyond the arc for a big three. Seay knocked in another big basket as the Bulldogs continue to the Griz lead down. Montana leads 43-34 with 16:07 left in the game.

1:52 p.m.
At the half time break the Bulldogs are trailing the Griz of Montana, 35-27. Paul George is leading the way with eight points, both Ned Golubovic and Sylvester Seay have knocked in seven points. Seay and George lead the team in rebounds with three apiece. Dwight O'Neil has made three assists for the Bulldogs. George has also contributed two steals in the first half. The Bulldogs have returend to the court and are preparing for the second half. Go `Dogs Go!!

1:37 p.m.
The Bulldogs just hit two BIG three's from Paul George and Brandon Sperling. The Bulldogs are trailing, 32-24 with three minutes remaining in the first half.

1:15 p.m.
Heading into the first timeout break of the game the Bulldogs are trailing, 6-5. Golubovic hit a three and George dunked for two to give the Bulldogs five. The Griz hit two three's to give them the lead early in the first half. There is 15:03 left on the clock.

1:04 p.m.
It's game time in the Save Mart Center!!! The Bulldogs are hosting the Montana Grizzlies. The teams have warmed-up and the National Anthem is about to be played. The starting line-up for the Bulldogs includes Ned Golubovic, Brian Seals, Paul George, Bryce Cartwright, and Dwight O'Neil. The Griz starting line-up includes Jordan Hasquet, Jack McGillis, Brian Qvale, Ryan Staudacher, and Anthony Johnson. The Bulldogs are on a two-game winning streak and look to increase that with a win over Montana.

Nov. 30, 2008
STOCKTON, Calif.

3:08 p.m. PT

Freshman guard Paul George helps define the new brand of Bulldog Basketball.

Young `Dogs to Play on Blackout Saturday in Stockton
Passion. Excitement. Family.

These terms help define the new brand of Bulldog Basketball.

This team is ready for tip off.

In a spirited and loose practice late last night, the Fresno State men's basketball team took the floor with a jump in their step and a distinct look in their eyes that they want this game.

Paul George, a freshman from Palmdale, Calif., jolted a spark into this young team. He has already made a name for himself by cementing his place in Sportscenter lore with a dunk that will be used in every highlight reel of his career, or at least should be. But last night, the guy who loves to play this game got a little more vocal.

In a simple drill with the guards taking a variety of shots attacking the basket, pull up jumpers that kissed softly off the glass with a focus on being able to "stop on a dime," Paul encouraged each and every one of his teammates as they ran through the drill. His fun-loving attitude resonated throughout the team and got all the guys cheering for what could have been a mundane session. It also helped the `Dogs to systematically recognize the pressure and necessity of sinking every shot --- that perfection and execution is created by repetition with a precise focus to master every facet of the game.

This passion is what the Bulldogs need to break through the label of being just another "young" team that "lacks experience" because this team is much more than that.

The youth is there, but youth with this team has helped turn the culture. They listen. They want to learn. And they have a genuine love of the game and the novelty is ever so present.

With this team, you will see dunks, intense defense that forces turnovers and a host of three-pointers. They are also "into" the game. These guys are not afraid to show that their emotions on their sleeves and will start making some noise in the record and statistics column here shortly.

This team plays exciting basketball. There is work to be done, but this piece of art (this team) is starting to come into focus.

Yet, this team is a family and the players are brothers. Everytime they break from a team meeting, they end it with their arms up as one and say one word: "Family."

This family continues a long rivalry tonight in another hostile environment - the Alex G. Spanos Center with a "Blackout" theme. Pacific has asked their fans to wear black for a doubleheader of men's and women's basketball. The Tigers will wear black uniforms while the Bulldogs sport their red road jerseys.

There is also a kinship between the men's and women's basketball teams as they try to come to as many games to support each other programs. The men's team watched as the Fresno State women knocked off No. 22 TCU at home and the women's team is slated to stay until at least halftime of the men's game tonight as they also play Pacific up here in Stockton.

Women's tip off: 5 p.m.
Men's tip off: 7:30 p.m.

You can listen to the men's game live at www.kmj580 .com as Paul Loeffler describes the play-by-play and Randy Rosenbloom adds the color commentary. You can also follow the statistics of the game right here on www.gobulldogs.com with Gametracker.

9:05 PM
The final score from the Save Mart Center is 82-76 with the Rebels coming up on top. Paul George ended the game with 24 points and Dwight O'Neil ended with 21 points.

8:58 PM
The crowd is screaming in the Save Mart Center after Paul George hit a big shot from beyond the arc to keep the 'Dogs in game and are down by four with over a minute left.

8:51 PM
The Bulldogs won't give up that easily and after another big three the 'Dogs trail by two. The crowd is on their feet cheering and screaming. The Rebels answered with a lay-up and then fouled a Bulldog under the hoop. After the timeout break Seals will shoot two. With 3:05 left the Bulldogs trail 70 to 74.

8:48 PM
With 4:36 remaining the Bulldogs are down by three (70-67). In the battle of the brothers each has made 17 points tonight and O'Neil has four rebounds and Willis has one rebound.

8:40 PM
With 7:44 remaining in the game the 'Dogs are down by four. Ladd, O'Neil, and George have knocked in 13, 17, and 16 points rexpectively.

Ned Golubovic hit a big three to bring the Bulldogs down by one. and with 6:45 Paul George And Ones for the lead and the 'Dogs are up 65-64.

8:32 PM
The Bulldogs have called a 30 second timeout with 9:09 left in the second half. The 'Dogs are down 59-55 and Dwight O'Neil leads the team with 17 points.

After a big defensive stop Mychal Ladd made a lay-up and got fouled on the shot and are within in one of the Rebels.

8:27 PM
After another timeout the Rebels are leading 53-50. Paul George is leading the team with 16 points and four rebounds.

8:16 PM
Dwight O'Neil hit a big three tothe give Bulldogs the lead again, 47-45.

8:11 PM
At the first timeout of the second half the 'Dogs are leading 42-41. Paul George has made seven points in the first five minutes of the second half.

8:10 PM
The 'Dogs have taken a 38-33 lead after Bryce Cartwright sank a shot from beyond the arc.

7:51 PM
At the half the Rebels lead the Bulldogs 32-31. The halftime stat run down is a little something like this. Mychal Ladd is leading the team with 10 points and Paul George has contributed eight points. Dwight O'Neil has knocked in six and Bryca Cartwright has three. Sylvester Seay and Ned Golubovic have both made two points.

Bryce Cartwright has recorded four assist against the Rebels and four Bulldogs (Golubovic, Cartwright, O'Neil, and Ladd) have grabbed three rebounds.

Ladd has hit 4 of 5 field goals in the first half and George has hit four of six.

The Bulldogs begin the second half in about seven minutes, so stay tuned!

7:45 PM
The Bulldogs are down by two points with 2:00 left on the clock before the halftime break. The Rebels had the chance to increase their lead, but failed to make two three throws.

7:35 PM
Paul George helped the Bulldogs regain the lead with a AWESOME dunk and has knocked in six points for the Bulldogs. Mychal Ladd is leading the pack with seven points.

7:30 PM
Great defensive efforts by Golubovic and George gave the Bulldogs a chance to take the lead. George knocked in two for the go ahead 22-20. After another timeout the game is tied at 22 a piece with 6:51 left in the half.

7:28 PM
Mychal Ladd just knocked in a HUGE 3-point shot from the left side of the court to tie the game at 20 all.

7:21 PM
Another time out has been called and the Rebels lead 16-15. O'Neil has four points, Bryce Cartwright has three points, Mychal Ladd has two points, Ned Golubovic has two points and Paul George has two. There is 9:48 left in the first half and the 'Dogs are down by one.

7:12 PM
The Bulldogs started Nedeljko Golubovic, Paul George, Sylvester Seay, Bryce Cartwright, and Dwight O'Neil. While the Rebels started Darris Santee, Joe Darger, Wink Adams, Rene Rougeau and Tre'Von Willis . The Bulldogs Paul George had an amazing dunk off a pass from Bryce Cartwright to put the 'Dogs up 6-3. UNLV called a time out and have taken the lead 7-6 with 15:51 remaining in the half.

6:56 PM
It's game time at the Save Mart Center! The anthem has been played and the teams are being introduced. The start of the game is moments away. Tonight's game is a special game for the Bulldogs senior Dwight O'Neil as he is playing against his little brother. Tune into Game Tracker or stay here for updates throughout the game.

As always Go 'DOGS!

You can follow the 'Dogs online with the voices of Paul Loeffler and Randy Rosenbloom at www.kmj580.com in real time.

Seay Three-Pointer Off the Glass Sparks Bulldog Offense
We are midway through the second half here at the Save Mart Center with the 'Dogs leading 52-38. Fresno State led 34-27 after a late Sylvester Seay three-pointer with a couple seconds on the clock in the first half set the tone for an offensive charge to start the second half that outscored the visiting Redhawks 18-11 in the first eight and a half minutes.

Fresno State Heads Home after Tough Road Trip
The Bulldogs valiantly battled the Aztecs in the Cox Arena this afternoon, but fell to the home team by a score of 80-56. By playing two potential postseason teams this week, Fresno State gained valuable experience for a freshmen-laden squad that must focus on preparing for conference play. The final statistics and game report will be posted shortly, but we are moments away from getting back on the bus to head home to Fresno, Calif. The `Dogs will host a three-game homestand with Seattle University (Nov. 25), Oregon State (Nov. 30) and UNLV (Dec. 3) when they return to the floor for game action.
Final Score: San Diego State 80, Fresno State 56

1:50 p.m.
SAN DIEGO, Calif.

Dogs Look for Big Second Half
The Aztecs came ready to play and defend their home court after falling to No. 15 Arizona State earlier in the week, 59-52. The `Dogs will need to mount a comeback from 17 points down as San Diego State leads at the break. Turnovers were costly and the team will need to create more open shots to find their rhythm and any type of momentum. The 23 points scored by the Bulldogs in the first half is the first time this season an opponent held Fresno State to under 25 points in a half. Junior forward Sylvester Seay led the Bulldogs in shooting with a pair of three-pointers (6 points) while Dwight O'Neil and Paul George topped the team with four rebounds each. Fresno State last came from behind when trailing at halftime was Nov. 27, 2007 when Winston-Salem State led 32-27 at the intermission before the 'Dogs outscored the Rams by 15 in the second half for a 10-point road win. Halftime Update: San Diego State 40, Fresno State 23

1:05 p.m.
SAN DIEGO, Calif.

Tip Off in Renewed Rivalry Moments Away
The team is very pumped for this non-conference showdown with longtime rival San Diego State (today's game marks the 96th contest between the two schools in men's basketball). The Aztec pep band just finished a stirring rendition of the Star Spangled Banner and the starting line-ups have been announced. The Bulldogs' starting five for the third straight game: George, Golubovic, Ladd, O'Neil, and Seay.

It's Game Time, Bulldog Fans!!!!

'Dogs Complete Walk-Through Practice
The team went through a walk-through practice here at the Cox Arena in San Diego, Calif. This arena is truly built for basketball witha ll the seats having a great view of the floor and their own individual red seat. San Diego State is an old WAC foe of the Bulldogs and one of the Aztec staff commented on how they expect a large turnout despite a night football game following the game for a couple of reasons. Basketball is big at SDSU as well as the community in San Diego appreciates the Bulldogs and understands the history between the two programs. Check the blog tomorrow for game updates and some perspective from the game. The game starts at 1 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday).

Early WAC Statistics for Bulldogs
With Fresno State in the middle of their first road set of the season, the Bulldogs will leave campus early Friday morning to head down to San Diego for their meeting with the Aztecs on Saturday at 1 p.m. in the Cox Arena. The game can be heard live on KMJ 580 AM with Paul Loeffler and Randy Rosenbloom calling the action.

Here's an early (a very early) and quick look at the `Dogs compared to their WAC counterparts (as of Nov. 20, 2008):

Paul George, Guard

Sylvester Seay, Forward

Dwight O'Neil, Guard

George's Dunk Opens Sportscenter Intro
Freshman standout Paul George's amazing dunk over a pair of Gael defenders opened the intro package of Sportscenter tonight during the 8 p.m. PT broadcast. The Best of the Marathon on Sportscenter is moments away. Check it out on ESPN....

We posted a YouTube video of the dunk in the game recap as well as below for you to enjoy...

The Paul George Dunk at Saint Mary's College on ESPN's College Hoops Tip-Off

Team Prepping for Late Night ESPN Game
The team has arrived in Walnut Creek, Calif., as they complete their final preparations before tonight's late-night (11 p.m.) affair with the Saint Mary's Gaels. Head Coach Steve Cleveland is looking forward to the contest as a perfect opportunity to see how his team handles playing in a hostile environment in the small, yet very intimate, 3500-seat McKeon Pavilion. The game is sold out, so we can expect the place to be loud. Cleveland was talking earlier today about how little Division I basketball his squad has played in the last few years. Dwight O'Neil has not been at his peak in two years (redshirted 2006-07 and then was injured through most of 2007-08... and never fully regained his form). Sylvester Seay saw limited action in one and half seasons at Arizona State. Ned Golubovic played about half of last year (minutes-wise). Brandon Webster entered 20 games as a freshman but never started.

Bottom line: This is a young team, but a very energetic and dynamic group of individuals focused on having fun playing the game of basketball. They also expect to win every game. In talking with the team, they know they will have their challenges, but they want to win. They want to win games. They want to compete at the highest level. And they truly believe that they can contend for a WAC championship come March.

Tonight, as you stay up for the only scheduled game on ESPN this year, look for Paul George and Mychal Ladd to stay cool under pressure as a freshmen with a student-section right on the floor. Sylvester and Ned will need to stay out of foul trouble and work the low-post to help keep the Bulldogs in control of the flow of the game.

While they are underdogs this week, the Bulldogs might surprise some people if they can apply consistent defensive pressure and run their offense.

Gaels' sophomore guard Patrick Mills is a special player. He put 20 points up on Team USA as the point guard for the Austrailian National Team and had Coach K saying that he was glad Duke didn't play Saint Mary's this year. Omar Samham is a big presence down low. Diamon Simpson (a former Bulldog recruit) is in his senior year and averages nearly a double-double a game. They can flat out shoot from anywhere on the court.

The Gaels return all five of their starters. The 'Dogs return a half of a starter (Dwight played in only 14 games and is the lone returner who started a significant number of games).

Overall, this game gives Fresno State the ability to learn how to play on the road and prepare for WAC play. The team is enjoying a short rest until 4 p.m. when they start watching film and shortly thereafter head to Moraga for a quick walk-through practice.

Note: Our first mailbag will go out next Monday, Nov. 24. There is still time to send your questions to me at strembley@csufresno.edu