By Matt Weiner (@mattweiner20) — MBB beat reporter
Fresno State’s Orlando Robinson eclipsed 1,000 career points in the Bulldogs’ 79-59 dominating win over San Jose State scoring a season-high 31 points and an impressive 12 rebounds.
The 7-foot junior was one wide-open missed dunk away from setting a Save Mart Center record for most made field goals in a game with 14.
“Orlando is a warrior man,” said Fresno State head coach Justin Hutson. “I’m so proud of him.”
Hutson’s Bulldogs were coming off of a two-week COVID-19 induced sabbatical and were well rested and it showed.
The Spartans, who opened up conference play Wednesday night, were outrebounded 38-22, out offensive rebounded 12-4 and were outscored in the paint 44-24.
It was a reality turned upside-down for SJSU, who was fresh off of a 118-43 cakewalk against Bethesda University Saturday.
The 75-point margin of victory and 20 3-pointers made against the Flames are now both school records.
The hot streak from the previous game turned cold quickly as the Spartans opened up 2-10 from beyond the arc.
SJSU eventually righted the ship, ending up 8-22 with Trey Anderson connecting on four of his seven 3-point attempts.
Anderson led the Spartans with 18 points which was the second most he put up in a single game this season.
It was a disappointing night for first year head coach Tim Miles.
“We were a little bit stagnant on offense,” Miles said. “I think their physicality, and their switching and pressure hurt us.”
After dropping the first conference game to a stout Fresno State, life doesn’t get any easier for the Spartans as they face Colorado State on Jan 15.
The Rams were one of the last five undefeated teams remaining in the country before losing to San Diego State 79-49 on January 8.