The Fresno State Bulldogs enter Friday’s hold game against the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners having won each of their past two games by at least 12 points and will look to take another stride forward with their improved offense.
Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners vs. Fresno State Bulldogs (-9.5, 132)
Last season, Fresno State ranked 264th in the nation in points scored on a per possession basis and have jumped up to 148th in this category thanks to the team’s 3-point shooting being one of the most improved in the country.
At 38.4% shooting from 3-point range this season, Fresno State is currently 37th in 3-point shooting percentage after their mark of 31.1% was 328th nationally a season ago.
The addition of Wyoming guard Xavier DuSell has elevated the team’s outside shooting as he is making 43.4% of his 3-point shots with 10.2 points per game and his presence has also allowed returning guards Isaiah Hill and Donovan Yap to have more open looks as the two are combining for 24.5 points per game on 41.6% 3-point shooting after both shot 30.4% or worse from 3-point range last season.
The Bulldogs look to exploit a Cal State Bakersfield defense that is allowing opponents to make 36.9% of their 3-point shots, which ranks 315th in the country.
While the raw number of Cal State Bakersfield allowing 70.1 points per game on the surface does not sound bad, it doesn’t not speak to how inefficient the defense has been against Division I teams.
When looking only at games against Division I teams, 75.6 points per game and in terms of points allowed on a per possession basis against Division I competition ranks 338th.
The biggest issue in Fresno State’s offense is turnovers, ranking 344th in turnovers committed per possession this season, but that weakness is largely negated by Cal State Bakersfield ranking 302nd in the nation in turnovers forced on a per possession basis on defense.
With the Roadrunners unable to match Fresno State’s 3-point shooting, making just 26.3% of their 3-point shots, which ranks 345th in America, the Bulldogs will make it three double-digit wins in a row on Friday.
The Play: Fresno State -9.5
