FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — With college basketball season looming just two weeks away, fans of Fresno State basketball got the chance to meet the men’s and women’s teams Saturday afternoon at a free event called “Matinee Madness.”
There were plenty of introductions in order, since there are 11 newcomers on the men’s side and 12 on the women’s side.
Both teams participated in various games, including competitions against fans and concluding with a 3-point and slam dunk contest.
Men’s basketball head coach Vance Walberg noted that events like Saturday are important for team-building, especially with so many players coming from different backgrounds. Six of his 11 offseason additions are from other countries.
“I’ll tell you what, the international guys, they’re at the volleyball games, they were at the swim meets. They go a lot different events, which I think is great,” said Walberg. “They’re enjoying [being here]. It’s opening up their eyes. And I think it’s a great two-way street.”
Part of that two-way street is finding success on the hardwood, and Fresno State got its first taste of victory earlier Saturday – albeit, unofficially.
The Bulldogs defeated Cal Poly, 97-87, in a closed-doors scrimmage. The ‘Dogs clawed back from a 22-point deficit in the 1st half, helped by a 31-point showing from Jake Heidbreder. The Clemson transfer shooting guard made 9-of-16 three-point attempts.
The 2025-26 men’s basketball season tips off at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 3rd vs. Fresno Pacific.
The women’s season opener is against the same school on the same day, at 5 p.m. New head coach Ryan McCarthy will have his women’s basketball team host UC Merced on Oct. 26 for an exhibition.