Russo has 23 points, leads Fresno St. to 69-66 win over UTSA

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) Cullen Russo scored seven points in the final 1:19 to give Fresno State just enough cushion to hold off UTSA 69-66 as both teams opened the season on Friday night.

Russo, who also grabbed two defensive rebounds in the final minute, slammed home a dunk and had five free throws as the Bulldogs held on for the win.

Trailing 58-48 with 3:43 left, UTSA made a late charge and closed to the final score when Nick Allen hit a 3 with five seconds left in the game.

Russo led the Bulldogs, making a career-high 23 points, and grabbing 10 rebounds. He also was a career-high 10 of 12 from the free throw line. Paul Watson, who finished with 17 points, now has over 1,000 points in his career.

Jaron Hopkins had seven points and dished out five assists and had five steals.

Allen led UTSA with 17 points and 14 rebounds.