FRESNO, Calif. (AP)—Paul George scored 19 points and grabbed eight rebounds as Fresno State opened its season Friday night by defeating San Francisco State 65-59.
Greg Smith, a 6-foot-10 freshman from Fresno, added 17 points and 10 rebounds in his first game for the Bulldogs, who trailed 32-31 at the half but opened the second half with 12 unanswered points and led the rest of the way.
Marquel Hoskins had 18 points and eight assists for the Gators, who pulled to within 59-57 on Phoenix O’Rourke?s 3-pointer with 2:25 left.
On Fresno State’s next possession, George drove to the basket before passing to Smith, who capped the play with a one-handed dunk. A steal and two free throws by Brandon Sperling with 1:33 left pushed the lead to 63-57.
O?Rourke finished with 15 points for Division II San Francisco State (2-1). The game counted as an exhibition for the Gators.
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