Fresno State charges back for 69-66 win over Pepperdine

Nov 14, 2015, 01:15 am

FRESNO, Calif. -- Julien Lewis made one of two free throws for a 68-66 lead and then Lionel Ellison stole the inbound pass with 8.9 seconds remaining to secure Fresno State's 69-66 season-opening win over Pepperdine on Friday night.

Trailing 67-63, Pepperdine's Jeremy Major nailed a 27-footer to close to 67-66. Lewis made one free throw and Ellison, who finished with 5 points and three assists, then sealed the victory with his fourth steal of the game.

Marvelle Harris scored 23 points and Torren Jones added 13 and grabbed 14 rebounds for Fresno State.

Major had 17 points, 10 rebounds and three assists for Pepperdine. Stacy Davis added 15 points and Lamond Murray Jr. chipped in 10 points.

Pepperdine was ahead 38-30 at the break and led 61-53 with 4:26 left in the game. Ellison made two free throws and Jones completed a 3-point play to give Fresno State a 65-61 advantage with 1:45 left.