Fresno State Slows Memphis State, but Not Enough

Fresno State limited Memphis State to 16 fewer points than any team had this season in the first game of Friday night’s Holiday Bowl basketball tournament.

But it really didn’t matter. Memphis State went on to win its 10th straight game by beating the Bulldogs, 57-46.

Memphis State came into the game averaging 88 points per game and had an average winning margin of 27.6 points. Although the Tigers played what was considered well below their standard, Coach Dana Kirk wasn’t complaining.

“They’d hold the ball 40 seconds on us and shoot with four or five seconds left on the (shot) clock,” Kirk said. “When they were eating the clock, we certainly couldn’t score. You can’t expect to beat everyone handily.”

Early on, it appeared the Tigers would experience another runaway. They led by seven points three times within the first eight minutes, but Fresno State cut the deficit to 17-16 with seven minutes left in the half.

The Bulldogs (6-4) never led.

Memphis State led at halftime, 23-18, and took a nine-point advantage at the second half’s outset on two field goals by Andre Turner.

Fresno State cut the deficit to 27-22, but got no closer. Memphis State scored the next six points and was not seriously threatened thereafter.

Turner led all scorers with 14 points. Baskerville Holmes scored 13 for the Tigers and 7-foot center William Bedford scored 10 points, 8 below his team-leading average.

“We couldn’t penetrate because they kept hand-checking us,” Kirk said. “That’s why Bill Bedford was falling away from the basket. They had their hands on him somewhat.”

Jervis Cole and Brian Salone scored 10 points apiece for Fresno State. The Bulldogs shot 44% from the field, and Memphis State shot 43%.

Memphis State had defeated Fresno State, 80-56, three weeks ago in Hawaii.