Nov. 18, 2008

FRESNO, Calif. - Paul George knows how to make a statement.

George's dunk during the Saint Mary's game late Monday night (and early Tuesday morning) just landed as the No. 1 play on Sportscenter's Top 10 "Plays of the Day" during the 8 p.m. PT show. The play also opened the preview highlights to the broadcast.

George, a freshman from Palmdale, Calif., recorded career-highs in points (25), rebounds (10), minutes (37), field goals (9), field goal attempts (16), three-pointers (2), three-point attempts (5), free throws (5) and free throw attempts (7) while tying career-highs in blocks (2) and assists (1) during the Nov. 17 game.

George has averaged 19.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game in his first pair of games as a Bulldog.

The dunk was broadcast live nationally on ESPN, as part of ESPN's College Hoops Tip-Off 24-hour marathon of games and special season features. Play-by-play announcer Terry Gannon, analyst Stephen Bardo, and a sellout Gael-dominated crowd were left in awe as the freshman slashed straight to the basket, went vertical and completed a one-handed slam dunk on a pair of Gael defenders (Mickey McConnell and all-time Saint Mary's block leader Diamon Simpson). The emphatic dunk sent a pulse through the intimate McKeon Pavilion.

George is one of two freshman starters (along with fellow guard Mychal Ladd) and truly embraces the dynamic of changing the momentum in a game by playing his role as a shooter and defender with the ability to drive to the hoop.

As of 9:13 p.m., the YouTube video of the dunk at 3,664 hits. If you didn't stay up for the late-night game or want to watch it again, click the play button below to see the dunk.

The Bulldogs have two days of practice this week in Fresno before continuing their first road trip of the 2008-09 season by visiting San Diego State for a Nov. 22 Saturday matinee at 1 p.m. in the Cox Arena.

"Join the State - Fresno State!" -The `Dogs continue on the road as they travel to San Diego State on Saturday, November 22 at 1:00 pm. The `Dogs return to the Save Mart Center on Tuesday, November 25 as they host Seattle University 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.