Valentine’s Day rivalry as Spartans visit Bulldogs

By Allison Covey (@allisoncovey):

San Jose State women’s basketball team looks to take on rival Fresno State at the Save Mart Center in the team’s only scheduled meeting this year.

The last time these two teams met, the Spartans (6-17, 3-9 MW) came back from a 16-point deficit to beat the Bulldogs (14-10, 9-4 MW) in an overtime thriller. SJSU is 3-2 against Fresno State in the rivals’ last five meetings.

It will be a challenge for the Spartans as they are on a six-game losing streak, while the Bulldogs haven’t lost since Jan. 27 and are coming off a bye weekend.

The Spartans average the third-most points per game in the conference at 69.3, but allow a league-worst 83.4 points per game.  

Sophomore guard Taylor Turney’s scoring took a dip in the beginning of February, but she has since brought her scoring back up to her average in the past two games, netting 13 and 15, respectively.

Turney won’t be able to do it alone tonight, as she will need help from her shooting guards — particularly senior Myzhanique Ladd and Analyss Benally.

Junior guard Candice White for Fresno State is second in the conference in scoring at 16.8 points per game. White has had double-digit scoring performances in 20 of the 24 games played this season, and has scored over 30 points twice.

The Spartans must work to contain White from getting it going offensively if they expect to take down their rival.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.

 

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