Fresno State Bulldogs (8-7, 2-0) @ Cal Poly Mustangs (8-7, 1-1)
Colin Chang (Musty the Mustang mascot)
I’m still wearing the Musty the Mustang costume for games. It’s a cool gig and the crowd loves it. Fresno State has brought their mascot “Time Out” over for the game. FSU also has a real Bulldog mascot but doesn’t bring him on trips. Time Out and I will be going up against each other in a series of challenges at halftime tonight. I think the fans will really like it.
Fresno State comes into this game tied for 1st place with Boise State which are the only unbeaten teams in conference contests. For us Steve Hastings is still out of action. He’s not only a talented player but has a lot of experience that really helps solidify our young team. I’ll give you a brief summary of what happens in the game, but at halftime i have to concentrate on beating Time Out.
First Half:
As has often been the case with the Mustangs this season, we didn’t shoot well during the first half and we were behind 37-29 at the break. Also the Bulldogs SF Alvaster Andersson torched us for 16 first half points.
Halftime:
The winner of the mascot competition was to be the mascot to come out on top of 4 of 7 activities we fought out during halftime. After 6, Time Out and I were tied at 3 each. I’m proud to say that Musty the Mustang won the 7th and was crowned “The Most Outstanding Mascot”. Time Out complained that I cheated, but the contest was on my home court and was played according to the Official Musty the Mascot Rules. Time Out vowed to be an eternal Mascot Contest Denier, contest the results, and said he will take it all the way to the Supreme Court. I gave him one of my patented Musty the Mustang retorts, “Buck Off”.
Second Half:
Fresno State bombed away from outside and held a solid lead throughout the half. The Bulldogs hit 16 of 25 shots from beyond the arc during the game and beat us 88-80.
Topping our scoring were: C Brandon Bailey with 16 points (plus 8 boards); SG Jase Carroll—12 points; and SF Louis Taylor—11 points. Fresno State’s SF Alvaster Andersson poured in 28 points and SG Lionel Slay scored 23 points.