Struggling Irvine to Face Fresno State

Earlier in the season, tonight’s UC Irvine-Fresno State Big West Conference game at Irvine’s Bren Center would have been a clash of styles. But the run-and-gun Anteaters are becoming more and more like the deliberate Bulldogs these days.

Irvine (4-9 overall, 1-3 in the Big West), which has slowed down its offense, is coming off its worst performance of the season, a 104-71 loss at Utah State Monday night.

Fresno State (8-6, 3-2) has won 4 of its last 6 games, but lost at home to New Mexico State, 53-50, Monday night. The Bulldogs stay in most games because of defense--opponents are shooting only 42%--and consistent play provided by an experienced cast. Four of the five starters are seniors and the other is a junior.