NFL Show
The Pacific Tigers play host to the Fresno State Bulldogs in an interesting non-conference showdown on Saturday evening from Alex G. Spanos Center. Fresno State comes into this one with a 3-5 record, while Pacific hasn't fared much better so far, sitting at 3-7. Both programs had far higher hopes for the season before games tipped off, so grabbing a win in this one would be crucial. These two haven't met since back in 2018, though the Bulldogs have won three in a row in the series, with each of the last two going into overtime. This one expects to be close as well and could certainly go either way.
Fresno State hits the road for this one and while it has been a slow start to the season so far, there's no doubt that they are starting to find their legs. Wins the last two times out against Cal State Northridge and UC Irvine have helped get them back on the winning path, though even their losses have been impressive. All five of their losses have come by double-digits, while they were able to keep it close against San Francisco and a pair of Power 5 teams. One concern is that they'll be back on the road in this one, where they have a 1-4 record away from home. Pacific themselves shouldn't be the most daunting of opposition and they'll be hoping that the recent run of form will get them over the hump in this one.
Fresno State does have one injury that they continue to figure out how to navigate. Joseph Hunter (thumb) remains out for the season after going down just before the season started. Consider ing the Bulldogs haven't played a minute with him this season, his absence should be minimized as the season continues.
Tonight's Top Performer: Jemarl Baker Jr. ??
??16 Points
??4 Rebounds
??2 Three-Pointers #GoDogs | #ForTheV | #ValleyTough pic.twitter.com/GSJyaocpHU
— Fresno State Men's Basketball (@FresnoStateMBB) December 8, 2022
Fresno State's offense has been one of the worst in the country to open the season, sitting 346th nationally in scoring, as well as nearly last in three-point percentage. While it has taken some time to adjust to losing some of their top pieces from last season, they will be happy to be facing one of college basketball's worst defenses as well. Isaiah Moore (13.4 ppg, 8.9 rpg) has come on strong and he's going to be a difficult matchup for Pacific in this one. Jemarl Baker (10.1 ppg) has helped in the backcourt but unless he can improve his shot selection and efficiency, he continues to run the risk of shooting the Bulldogs out of games.