FRESNO, Calif. (Interstat) — The Fresno State Bulldogs look to halt a three-game skid and get back to .500 when they host the struggling Chicago State Cougars in a nonconference women’s basketball game Saturday at Save Mart Center. The Bulldogs (4-5) are coming off a narrow 60-57 road loss to Saint Mary’s on Wednesday, their third consecutive defeat. They will be heavily favored against a Chicago State team that has lost eight straight since a season-opening win and sits at 1-8. Fresno State’s hopes will rest largely on the play of guard Emilia Long, who has been a bright spot during the recent slide. Long is averaging 18.3 points over her last three games, including a 23-point performance in a loss to Pepperdine and a 19-point effort against Saint Mary’s. Her backcourt leadership will be key as Fresno State aims to clean up an offense that managed just 45 points against the Waves. Chicago State, meanwhile, is searching for answers after a 57-85 defeat at Bradley on Dec. 7. The Cougars have not won since a 59-54 victory over Winthrop on Nov. 5 and have faced a brutal early schedule with road games at Notre Dame, Illinois State and Pittsburgh. Guard Keona McGee leads the Cougars’ attack, coming off a 12-point game at Bradley. She has shown scoring ability, pouring in 16 points earlier this season at Western Illinois, but Chicago State has struggled with consistency, failing to reach 60 points in six of its nine games. For Fresno State, this contest represents a critical opportunity to build momentum before Mountain West Conference play begins later this month. The Bulldogs have shown defensive prowess at times, holding three opponents under 50 points this season, and will look to pressure a Chicago State team averaging 58.2 points per game. The Bulldogs lead the all-time series 2-0, with the last meeting an 85-52 Fresno State victory in 2018. Tipoff is set for Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Save Mart Center. Fresno State will host San Diego State on Dec. 17, while Chicago State continues a difficult road swing at Arizona on Dec. 15.