Fresno State Preview
Creighton (4-2) at Fresno State (8-1)
December 16, 2006
SaveMart Center (Fresno, CA)
TV: KMTV | Radio: 590 AM
Live Stats | Video Webcast
December 16, 2006
SaveMart Center (Fresno, CA)
TV: KMTV | Radio: 590 AM
Live Stats | Video Webcast
Creighton Starters
| Fresno State Starters
|
Overview
SID Notes: CU | FSU
The Jays make a stop on the way to Hawaii in Fresno for a return date with their 2006 BracketBuster foe, the Fresno State Bulldogs. For those that remember that late night matchup in February (which may or may not be many), what struck me about that Bulldog team was a very athletic squad that was extremely trigger happy from three. Coming into this season, the Dogs return all five starters and optimism was very high. Early on, FSU seemed to be meeting these lofty goals with a 7-0 record, including a win at Oregon State. However, the Bulldogs were served a rather severe setback with a 70-42 drubbing on the road at UC Santa Barbara. The Bulldogs did rebound with a win at Montana State, but it was an overtime contest against a team that they had killed by 39 earlier at home this season.
As in the matchup last season, the primary option for FSU will be 6-6 senior forward Quinton Hosley. In February, Hosley led the Dogs with 19 points, 10 rebounds and all 40 minutes of the game. Hosley is an extremely athletic wing player who will fill up the basket and will crash the boards. With the Jays and their traditional three guard lineup, it will be important to stay with Quinton offensively and keep him from taking over the game.
Another key battle will be in the low post. The Bulldogs are anchored inside by 6-9 junior Hector Hernandez. Fresno is not a particularly deep team inside. The primary option off the bench inside will be 6-11 junior college transfer Shawn Taylor. Taylor is averaging 13 minutes a game with roughly 5 points and 3 board a night. The Jays will need to continue to get strong play from the A-Train inside and exploit this opportunity.
Keep in mind that Fresno State is, again like last year, this team is very much willing to put the ball up and take shots. Through nine games, the Bulldogs have made 229 three point attempts, making their shots at a 34.9% clip. The Jays have had some problems giving up some open looks early and will need to be more active on defense and will need to avoid losing the shooters.
Overall, however, the key will be what the Jays bring to the table. The energy and intensity that Creighton showed in the second half against Dayton and throughout the Xavier game will be absolutely required to make this happen on Saturday. There has been much to be desired about the intensity and effort that the team has shown at points on the road early on in this season. It is because of those events that this game against the Bulldogs becomes that much more important. A lot was said in the runup to the Xavier game about the importance of gaining that signature non-conference win for your resume in March. The Jays recognized the weight of that game and played like it was a "must-win" contest. However, getting a key win on the road is no less critical. It's all and well to take care of business in the friendly confines of the Phone Booth, but if the Jays are going to reach the goals they set for this season, they will need to go into an environment like they will see on Saturday night and take care of business.
Game Notes
- Saturday night's game is going be broadcast on KMTV Channel 3 in Omaha. The game will be called by Travis Justice and Scott Schumacher. Traditional satellite coordinates are as follows:
Coordinates - IA6 1-J
Uplink Freq. - 14052.875 H
Downlink Freq. - 11753 V
Data Rate - 5.5 Mbps
Symbol Rate - 3.979 Msps
Modulation - QPSK
FEC - 3/4 - Creighton leads the all-time series against Fresno State, 5-0. CU's lone game in Fresno came with a 70-62 overtime victory in 2003, with Nate Funk hitting a three at the buzzer to tie the game and carry the Jays to a dominant performance in the extra period. Coach Altman is 2-1 against FSU head coach Steve Cleveland. CU split a home and home with Cleveland's BYU Cougars in 2001 and 2002.
- Jays look to ride solid play to Hawaii - Omaha World Herald 12/16
- 'Dogs at defining moment - Fresno Bee 12/16
- CU-FSU Scouting Report - Fresno Bee 12/16
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