March 6, 2010

FRESNO, Calif. - Cleveland and the Bulldogs know that conference play is the most important time of the year.

With their fifth place through the Western Athletic Conference regular season play after finishing ninth last season, the 'Dogs made the largest improvement by any WAC team in six seasons. Boise State improved from seventh place in 2002-03 to third place in 2003-04.

Fresno State bolted out to 3-0 conference start with wins over Boise State, Hawai'i and San Jose State. After gaining some valuable road experience, pounding the Nevada Wolf Pack, finishing a season sweep of Hawai'i and crushing NMSU, the `Dogs finished their WAC slate with a win over Louisiana Tech to complete a four-game WAC improvement from last season.

The `Dogs earned the fifth seed in the WAC Tournament, four spots higher than last season and better than predictions by both the conference coaches and media.

The WAC had returned eight of 10 2008-09 All-WAC honorees in a veteran-laden league.

This year's all-conference honorees will be announced prior to the 2010 WAC Tournament.

No. 5 Fresno State will play No. 4 Louisiana Tech on Thursday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. on ESPNU.

"We Are Your Team!" - The 2010 WAC Touranment will be held at the Lawlor Event Center in Reno, Nevada on March 11-13, 2010 with the winner earning an automatic bid into the 2010 NCAA Tournament. Fresno State is looking for the program's sixth NCAA appearance. Secure your tournament tickets ($195 for all 14 games) through the Bulldog Ticket Office by calling (559) 278-3647 or by logging onto www.gobulldogs.com. Fresno State fans are encouraged to reserve hotel rooms at the Silver Legacy Hotel in Reno (the team's official hotel) at 1-800-687-8733 or www.silverlegacyreno.com/WAC.