Monday, February 24, 1997

FORT COLLINS-- The Colorado State women's basketball team defeated Fresno State, 73-62, in front of a crowd of 2,087. The Rams improved their overall record to 21-5, 12-3 in the WAC keeping their hold on the second spot in the Pacific Division.

The Rams never led in the first half falling behind by as many as 11. Colorado State pulled within three with 7:33 remaining in the half, but Fresno State's Lori Brown hit a jumper to spark a 7-2 run for the Bulldogs. Fresno State led at the half 38-28.

The Rams came out in the second half and pulled to within four with 17:45 on the clock. The Bulldogs then went on a 11-3 run to lead by 12 before Colorado State's Becky Hammon hit a lay-up to start a 15-3 run for the Rams tying the game at 55 apiece with 7:10 remaining in the game. Hammon hit a lay-up and was fouled giving Colorado State their first lead of the game after making her free-throw, 56-55. The Bulldogs pulled to within one point with 5:02 remaining, but a three-pointer by Jacque Johnson sealed the game for Colorado State, coming away with the win, 73-62.

Colorado State was led by Katie Cronin who tied her career-high with 27 points followed by Hammon with 25. Zenarae Pieters led the team in rebounds pulling down 11, followed by Shannon Randles with 10.

Fresno State was led by Jessie Farias who came off the bench to scored 20 points, while Zanete Law led the team in rebounds with 10.

Colorado State shot 41.8 percent from the field, while holding the Bulldogs to 36.1 percent, and out-rebounded Fresno State 45 to 39.

The Rams will play their final regular season game next Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 8:00 p.m. in Moby Arena. The game will be broadcast on "Fox Sports Rocky Mountain".