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Bryson Williams, Terrell Carter Combine For 38 Points
The two teams shot a combined 6-23 from deep despite entering the game ranked in the top 100 nationally in three-point field goal percentage
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Fresno State beats UNLV 69-63 to move into a third-place tie with New Mexico
Terrell Carter wasn’t going to let the third time be the charm.
Trailing 65-57 with 90 seconds remaining, UNLV guard Jordan Johnson attacked the lane and finished in traffic for an and-one to cut the Fresno State lead to five. Johnson grabbed the rebound off a missed jumper and again managed to drive the ball in transition and convert another and-one the following possession, this time to trim the Bulldog advantage to 65-63 with a minute remaining.
On the ensuing possession, with the chance to tie or take the lead, Johnson tried once more.
This time, Johnson met his match: Terrell Carter.
All 82 inches and 290 pounds of him.
Carter landed an emphatic swat of Johnson’s layup attempt, in which the ball ricocheted to UNLV center Brandon McCoy. Carter wasn’t done, though, as he also redirected McCoy’s potential game-tying attempt.
Granted with two more chances to add to second-highest scoring total of the season, the senior center calmly knocked down two free throws to put the game on ice in front of his home bench.
Carter finished with 18 points, two blocks in the final UNLV possession, and two clutch made free throws.
He averages 4.8 points per game, 0.5 blocks per game, and is shooting 56.6% from the free throw line over his 101-game Fresno State career.
It’s safe to say it was a career night for the Bulldog big man.
Bryson Williams also added to the strong performance out of the FSU frontcourt Tuesday night. Williams converted ten of his 14 field goal attempts to pace the Bulldogs with 20 points, four rebounds and four assists. Deshon Taylor, in addition to Terrell Carter, also finished in double figures with 18 points.
Thanks to the late surge by the Rebels guard, Jordan Johnson led UNLV in scoring with 18 points, along with Brandon McCoy’s 13 points, and Jovan Mooring and Tervell Beck chipping in 10 points apiece.
Fresno State’s (15-6, 5-3) victory propels the Bulldogs to third in the Mountain West standings. UNLV (14-6, 3-4) still has yet to string together consecutive league wins this season.
Both teams will be in their respective home courts on Saturday.
Fresno State hosts Utah State in hopes of avenging its overtime loss to the Aggies back on January 3.
UNLV will take on San Diego State in their first matchup of the season.