Hopson helps Idaho steam past Fresno State

FRESNO, Calif. — Mac Hopson had 20 points, eight rebounds and six assists as Idaho defeated Fresno State 68-59 on Saturday night to sweep the season series from the Bulldogs.

Luciano de Souza added 16 points for Idaho (12-12, 4-8 WAC), including a corner 3-pointer with 2:35 remaining that gave the Vandals a 10-point lead.

Sylvester Seay led Fresno State (13-13, 6-6) with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Mike Ladd added 13 for the Bulldogs, who got six points from their bench compared to Idaho’s 29.

Fresno State trimmed the deficit to 64-59 but went cold from the outside while the Vandals made 4 of 6 free throws in the final 1:03.

Hopson made 8 of 11 tries from the field and constantly broke down the Bulldogs defense with drives through the key.

After trailing by double digits, the Bulldogs trimmed the deficit to 64-59 with 1:11 left but went cold from the outside while the Vandals made 4 of 6 free throws down the stretch.

Idaho also defeated Fresno State 74-59 on Jan. 28 for the Vandals’ only home win during WAC play. Idaho has won five straight in the head-to-head series.

Led by freshman center Greg Smith, who was questionable for the game with a shoulder injury, the Bulldogs began the second half with a 7-0 run to take a 35-28 lead.

But Idaho came right back with a 12-1 surge, capped by a de Souza 3-pointer that put the Vandals ahead 40-36.

Fresno State regained the lead on Seay’s 3-pointer with 13:08 left, but de Souza answered with a 3 of his own to put Idaho ahead for good.

Smith and Paul George finished with 12 points apiece for Fresno State. Marvin Jefferson added 10 for Idaho.