**Photo by Dylan Ryu**. Bronco guard, Brenton Knapper drives past Bulldog guard, Zaon Collins.

Santa Clara University’s men’s basketball team relied on three-point shooting and rebounding to secure an 81-66 victory over Fresno State on Saturday night at the Leavey Center. The Broncos improved to 5-5 on the season, while Fresno State fell to 3-6, extending its losing streak to four games.

Santa Clara made 41.9% of its 3-point attempts, hitting 13 total, including six in the second half. The Broncos outrebounded the Bulldogs 43-33 and had four players score in double figures. Carlos Stewart led the Broncos with 18 points, while Tyeree Bryan added 16, connecting on four 3-pointers. Christoph Tilly and Adama-Alpha Bal contributed 14 and 12 points, respectively, while Jake Ensminger recorded 11 rebounds and 5 assists.

Fresno State guard Zaon Collins led the Bulldogs with 17 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals. Mykell Robinson added 15 points and seven rebounds, and Alex Crawford scored 13 points on 71.4% shooting in his first start of the season. Despite their efforts, the Bulldogs were unable to match the Broncos’ perimeter shooting and scoring runs.

The game was closely contested early, with seven lead changes and four ties in the first half. Fresno State’s drives to the basket helped keep the score close until Santa Clara University gained momentum late in the half. The Broncos closed the first half with a 36-25 lead, aided by their rebounding advantage, which included 9 offensive rebounds. Fresno State was held to 0 fastbreak points in the first half despite ranking No. 2 nationally in tempo.

In the second half, Fresno State reduced the deficit to 9 points behind Crawford’s scoring and contributions from forward Elijah Price. However, Santa Clara University responded with a 17-4 run to extend the lead to 59-42. The Bulldogs applied full-court pressure late in the game, forcing turnovers and briefly narrowing the margin, but the Broncos secured the win with timely 3-point shooting.

Fresno State head coach Vance Walberg adjusted his lineup, starting Price at center and moving Crawford into the lineup. Senior-guard Jalen Weaver returned to action for the first time since November, contributing 2 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals off the bench.

Santa Clara University’s win marked its third in the last four meetings with Fresno State, extending its all-time series lead to 21-11. The Broncos will next continue their non-conference schedule, while the Bulldogs face Brigham Young University on Dec. 11 as they look to end their losing streak.

AP Contributed to this Story.