Fresno State Basketball Ends Season with Disappointing Tournament Loss

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — The Fresno State men’s basketball team concluded its season with an 86-71 defeat against the Nevada Wolf Pack in the first round of the Mountain West Tournament on Wednesday. This loss capped a challenging year for the Bulldogs, who finished the season with a dismal 6-26 overall record, marking one of the worst seasons in the program’s history.

This year’s performance stands out for several unfavorable statistics: Fresno State recorded the fewest wins in its history, surpassing the previous low of seven victories set in 1977. The team also suffered the most losses in a single season, breaking the former record of 21 losses. Their win percentage dipped to .188, a decline from the previous worst of .259.

Head Coach Vance Walberg‘s record as the Bulldogs’ head coach fell to 20-61 following this disappointing season. In his post-game remarks, Walberg expressed his frustration, saying, “I thought we’d be a lot better, but things happen for a reason. We’re going to learn and we’re going to get better.”

The team faced significant challenges throughout the season, including a recent scandal resulting in the dismissals of Forward Mykell Robinson and Guard Jalen Weaver. Both players were accused of placing bets on games they participated in. Additionally, Sophomore Guard Zaon Collins reportedly bet on professional sports, amplifying the ordeal for the Bulldogs.

Despite these setbacks, some players stood out during the campaign. Freshman Forward Elijah Price, who garnered recognition as Mountain West Freshman of the Week multiple times, led the team during the tournament opener, scoring 17 points and grabbing 11 rebounds for his 11th double-double of the season.

Fresno State’s performance against Nevada showcased ongoing issues. The Bulldogs fell behind early, struggling offensively. They managed only two successful shots out of ten attempts in the first ten minutes, resulting in a daunting 12-point halftime deficit.

“Obviously you don’t want to get behind like we got behind,” Walberg said. “We had to go to a zone and make some changes.” This shift was a response to significant mismatches in height and strength, yet the strategy failed to yield the desired results, with the Wolf Pack out-rebounding the Bulldogs 42-33.

Several players emerged from the struggles, including Junior Guard Jasir Tremble, who notched 14 points in 23 minutes off the bench, showcasing his own growth over the season. “That’s basically what my season has come down to,” Tremble reflected. “I didn’t play a lot on the front end of the season, but I’m playing a lot now on the back end, just being ready when my number is called.”

Looking ahead, there is a mix of sentiment among fans regarding Coach Walberg’s future. Some believe he should be given more time to develop the team, while others are calling for a complete rebuild, including changes to the coaching staff. As the offseason approaches, strength through recruitment and player development will be crucial for transforming the program in the upcoming season.