Wednesday, January 19
USAFA, CO
6:30 pm MT
Air Force Academy
66
vs
57
Fresno State
Photo by: Photo by Trevor Cokley
Falcons frustrate 'Dogs, win 66-57
1/19/2022 8:45:00 PM | Women's Basketball
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.- For the only second time in program history, Air Force took down the visiting Fresno State Bulldogs 66-57, with overwhelming defense and clutch senior performances leading the way.
On the subject of upperclassmen, Riley Snyder was as impactful as ever, managing a team-high 21 points. Snyder drew a game-high eight fouls on the offensive end of the floor, leading to a career-best 11 free throws made on 12 attempts. The senior was also 2-3 from beyond the arc to go with a career-high six assists and five rebounds.
Fellow C1C Cierra Winters also finished in double-figures with 15 points, while also resetting her career-high in free throws made by knocking down 7 of 8 attempts. The Mountain West leaders in steals, Winters snatched six steals on Wednesday, tying her personal best in the category. Tonight's win marks the second time this season Winters has forced at least six steals.
The Falcons gave the Bulldogs no room to breathe on offense, forcing 22 turnovers to just 11 of their own. Early on, it appeared that the Bulldogs offense would be a tough puzzle to solve, as Fresno State ended the first quarter 7-12 from the field (58.3%), but the Air Force defense is not a group to relent. From the second quarter on, Fresno State finished the game shooting just 35.5%, including 3-15 from three-point range. Air Force's defensive pressure led to 22 points off of turnovers, while decisively winning the fast-break margin 18-0.
Leading 31-29 at halftime, the Falcons began to create separation in the third quarter. A 9-4 Falcons run to open the period saw Air Force grow its lead to 40-33 with 17 minutes remaining in regulation, though the Bulldogs clawed back. With 5:32 remaining in the final quarter, Air Force's lead on the scoreboard shrunk to just 50-48, though a 6-0 run over the next three minutes saw the Falcons retake control of the game late with a 56-48 lead. The home team did what needed to be done as the clock dwindled, making 10 of 12 free throws down the stretch to secure the win.
Tonight's victory becomes only the second win over Fresno State in Air Force women's basketball history, the other taking place February 19, 2020, a 88-65 win at Clune Arena.
Next, Air Force remains at home to host the San Jose Spartans on Saturday, January 22, with tip-off scheduled for 3 pm MT.
On the subject of upperclassmen, Riley Snyder was as impactful as ever, managing a team-high 21 points. Snyder drew a game-high eight fouls on the offensive end of the floor, leading to a career-best 11 free throws made on 12 attempts. The senior was also 2-3 from beyond the arc to go with a career-high six assists and five rebounds.
Fellow C1C Cierra Winters also finished in double-figures with 15 points, while also resetting her career-high in free throws made by knocking down 7 of 8 attempts. The Mountain West leaders in steals, Winters snatched six steals on Wednesday, tying her personal best in the category. Tonight's win marks the second time this season Winters has forced at least six steals.
The Falcons gave the Bulldogs no room to breathe on offense, forcing 22 turnovers to just 11 of their own. Early on, it appeared that the Bulldogs offense would be a tough puzzle to solve, as Fresno State ended the first quarter 7-12 from the field (58.3%), but the Air Force defense is not a group to relent. From the second quarter on, Fresno State finished the game shooting just 35.5%, including 3-15 from three-point range. Air Force's defensive pressure led to 22 points off of turnovers, while decisively winning the fast-break margin 18-0.
Leading 31-29 at halftime, the Falcons began to create separation in the third quarter. A 9-4 Falcons run to open the period saw Air Force grow its lead to 40-33 with 17 minutes remaining in regulation, though the Bulldogs clawed back. With 5:32 remaining in the final quarter, Air Force's lead on the scoreboard shrunk to just 50-48, though a 6-0 run over the next three minutes saw the Falcons retake control of the game late with a 56-48 lead. The home team did what needed to be done as the clock dwindled, making 10 of 12 free throws down the stretch to secure the win.
Tonight's victory becomes only the second win over Fresno State in Air Force women's basketball history, the other taking place February 19, 2020, a 88-65 win at Clune Arena.
Next, Air Force remains at home to host the San Jose Spartans on Saturday, January 22, with tip-off scheduled for 3 pm MT.
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