FRESNO, Calif. — Saint Mary's Women's Basketball plays in the state of California for the first time during the 2020-21 season as the Gaels travel to Fresno State to take on the Bulldogs on Friday Night.
 
GAME INFORMATION
Saint Mary's Gaels (0-3) at Fresno State Bulldogs (2-2)
Friday, December 11 at 5:00 pm
Fresno, Calif. — Save Mart Center
Live Stats | Watch
 
LAST TIME OUT
Saint Mary's has had 11 days in between games, as they most recently wrapped up the Global Sports Tip-Off in Arizona by taking on the host of the tournament, Arizona State. The Sun Devils gave the Gaels all they could handle, and despite outscoring Arizona State in the second half, the Gaels fell short by a final of 62-53. Taycee Wedin got back on track, knocking down three shots from beyond the arc, en route to 14 points. Madeline Holland also poured in 14, giving her 14 points in all three games thus far. Saint Mary's had its best shooting game of the season thus far, shooting at 52.4% from the field overall and 50% from distance.
 
GLASS GAME
Among things the Gaels have done well so far in 2020 is their strong play on both ends of the glass, where they are averaging 42.3 rebounds per game, good for second-best in the WCC, behind only San Diego (44.0). Several Gaels have gotten in on the action, but Brianna Simonich is leading the pack with 30 rebounds in three games, good for 10.0 per contest. Early on, that mark is third-best in the WCC. Saint Mary's also has 43 offensive rebounds through just three games, with Finau Tonga bringing in 10 of her 17 on the offensive side.
 
FRESNO STATE
Last year was a great season for the Bulldogs, winning the regular-season title in the Mountain West Conference. A host of accolades came their way following the season, with head coach Jaime White winning Coach of the Year, Maddi Utti being named Player of the Year, and Haley Cavinder picking up the Freshman of the Year award. Both Utti and Cavinder return, and the Bulldogs figure to be strong contenders for another Mountain West Crown. The Bulldogs are 2-2 in the early portion of the 2020-21 season, and will be playing their third-straight home game. Most recently, Fresno State split a home-and-home with Colorado State, dropping the first game 89-83, and winning the finale on Dec. 4 by a final of 78-74.
 
GAEL CUTOUTS
Upload your photo and cheer on the Gaels at UCU Pavilion this season! We are all excited that Saint Mary's basketball is back, but we understand that it's not quite the same since YOU, THE FANS, are not able to attend in person. But that doesn't mean you can't be there in body (well, sort of) and spirit, supporting your Gael Basketball Program! Click here for more information GAEL CUTOUTS.
 
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