Box score
Fresno, Cailf. – The Sunbird women's basketball team tipped off their GSAC home opener versus #19 Biola University earlier this evening at the FPU Special Events Center. Both teams had 4-1 records going into the game and wanted to start conference play on a positive note with a win. After 40 minutes of basketball, the Sunbirds were able to eventually pull-off the upset against the nationally ranked Eagles 52-43 in a low scoring affair.
FPU relied on a tough defensive effort and was able to hold the Eagles offense to a minimum and take a 31-23 lead into halftime intermission.
The Sunbirds continued their defensive pressure in the second half forcing 19 Biola turnovers by the end of the game. FPU is currently ranked in the NAIA's top 10 in the scoring defense statistic (points allowed) as a result of the team's approach to solid team defense.
Led with strong offensive performances by senior guards Samantha Cardeno and Bricali Cooley, and sophomore forward Jessica Torrecillas, FPU would go on to win the game by 9. #Cardeno# scored a game high 17 points with 5 rebounds and went a prefect 5-5 from the free-throw line to lead the orange and blue. Cooley and Torrecillas also contribute with 9 points each on the evening.
“It wasn't our prettiest win of the season, but the ladies are starting to understand what happens when you play hard for 40 minutes,” acknowledged FPU head coach Meredith Pulliam. “Our scoring defense has been great so far this season and any time you can hold a nationally ranked opponent to just 42 points, you know something is right.”
With the win, the Sunbirds improve to 5-1 and will be back in action Saturday December 6th when they travel to San Diego to face another nationally ranked opponent in #8 Pt. Loma Nazarene. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:30PM.
