Nov. 16, 2008
Complete Release in PDF Format 
This Week in Fresno State Men's Basketball
Fresno State (1-0) at Saint Mary's College (1-0)
Date: Monday, November 17, 2008 (Tip Off: 11:00 p.m.)
Site: McKeon Pavilion (3,500); Moraga, Calif.
Radio: KMJ 580 AM (Paul Loeffler/Randy Rosenbloom)
TV: ESPN (Terry Gannon/Stephen Bardo)
Online: www.kmj580.com (Audio - Free) & www.gobulldogs.com (Video - Bulldog All-Access)
Live Stats: www.SMCgaels.com
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Fresno State (1-0) at San Diego State (1-0)
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2008 (Tip Off: 2:00 p.m.)
Site: Cox Arena (12,414); San Diego, Calif.
Radio: KMJ 580 AM (Paul Loeffler/Randy Rosenbloom)
TV: None
Online: www.kmj580.com (Audio - Free) & www.gobulldogs.com (Video - Bulldog All-Access)
`Dogs Travel Up and Down Golden State on First 2008-09 Road Trip
The Fresno State Bulldogs will take their first road trip of the 2008-09 season as they visit Saint Mary's College (Nov. 17) and San Diego State (Nov. 22). The `Dogs have won three of their past four road openers. The contest with Gaels will mark the latest known start time (local to site) in school history with the tip set for 11 p.m. The game is part of the ESPN College Hoops Tip-Off special 24-hour marathon of college basketball programming. Later in the week, Fresno State will travel on their longest scheduled bus trip of the season during the trek down to play the Aztecs.
About the Gaels
Saint Mary's is 1-0 after their season and home opening 86-55 win over Seattle Pacific. The Gaels return four starters (eight letterwinners) from a squad that finished 25-7 and fresh off a trip the NCAA Tournament in 2008. Head Coach Randy Bennett (UCSD, `86) is in his eighth season at the helm of the Gaels and sports a 128-90 career record. Senior forward Diamon Simpson (13.4 ppg and 9.6 rpg) and sophomore guard Patrick Mills (14.8 ppg, 3.4 apg, and 1.8 spg) will highlight the talented roster. The Gaels are 37-6 overall and 16-2 at home in non-conference play during the last five years.
Against the Gaels
Fresno State trails the overall series with Saint Mary's College by two games, 18-16. The `Dogs have won 7 of the last 10 match-ups. This is the first meeting in Moraga, Calif. since 1997 when the `Dogs edged Saint Mary's 83-81. The teams last met on Jan. 8, 2008 in the Save Mart Center when the Gaels defeated Fresno State 77-68.
About the Aztecs
San Diego State is 1-0 after their season and home opening 59-40 win over UCSD. The Aztecs return all five starters (eight letterwinners) from a team that went 20-13 while earning a spot in the National Invitational Tournament. Steve Fisher will look to reach 350 career wins in his 18th year of collegiate head coaching. Senior forwards Lorrenzo Wade, Kyle Spain, and Ryan Amoroso will compete to add to their totals from 2007-08 when they each averaged more than 10 points per game.
Against the Aztecs
Fresno State trails the overall series with San Diego State, 51-44. The `Dogs have won 14 of the past 17 contests, but the Aztecs have won the past two games. The Bulldogs last battled the Aztecs in San Diego in 2001. The teams last met on Nov. 11, 2008 when the `Dogs hosted the Pape Slam as San Diego State won 89-72.
Freshmen Make Immediate Impact
Freshmen guards Paul George (Lancaster, Calif.) and Mychal Ladd (Seattle, Wash.) quickly earned spots in the Bulldogs' starting line-up. In their collegiate debut, George netted 14 points and five rebounds while Ladd added 10 points, three rebounds and three assists. The pair of freshmen also enjoy lighting up the scoreboard with sharp shooting, momentum-changing dunks and fast break situations. As the foundation of the Bulldogs' future, George and Ladd will become household names very quickly.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The `Dogs travel to take on Saint Mary's on Monday, November 17 in a nationally televised game on ESPN at 11:00 pm. The `Dogs return to the Save Mart Center on Tuesday, November 25th as they host Seattle at 7:00 pm. Tickets are on sale now through the Save Mart Center box office, by calling (559) 485-TIXS or online at ticketmaster.com.
