Box Score
Fresno Pacific gave the GSAC's top-ranked team a scare before succumbing to #7 Biola 65-50 on Tuesday night in La Mirada.
The Sunbirds didn't look at all overmatched, leading early in the second half and keeping up with the Eagles for the majority of the game. FPU trailed 50-44 with less than seven minutes to play before the Eagles put together a 13-0 run.
Jessica Torrecillas scored 21 points and grabbed eight rebounds for the Sunbirds (7-10, 0-7 GSAC) and Breana Buczek added five assists.
The Sunbirds would have their chances, but the Eagles (13-3, 5-2 GSAC) forced turnovers and gave the team all kinds of trouble on the offensive boards in the closing minutes. FPU was outscored 15-6 in the final 6:45, as the Eagles capitalized on second chances during the 13-0 run.
Torrecillas would end the run with 1:50 to play, but with the score 63-46 it was far too late for the Sunbirds to threaten again.
The Sunbirds played with tenacity in the first half, making the Eagles work for their points and getting the ball to Torrecillas inside. FPU would trail just 25-23 at the break.
Jenay Herring hit a three-pointer right out of the gate to give the Sunbirds the early lead in the second half. Kelly Thompson would add a three a minute later to put FPU up 29-26, but the Eagles answered immediately with one of their own.
The Sunbirds would be stuck on 29 for six minutes, while the Eagles built up a seven-point lead. Torrecillas got the Sunbirds back in it with a shot-clock beating jumper while being fouled. She sank the free throw to bring the game to 36-32.
Michele Rebozzi would knock down two three-pointers later in the half that kept the team in it, but the Eagles continued to swarm FPU guards on defense and would eventually establish control in the game's final minutes.
Jessilyn Conicelli did most of the damage for Biola, with 25 points and eight rebounds. Jennifer French added a double-double of 17 points, 10 rebounds for the Eagles.
FPU shot 34 percent from the field and had another rough night from beyond the arc, making just 5-of-21.
The Sunbirds are back home on Saturday for an afternoon game with Point Loma Nazarene at 2:30 pm. The Sea Lions come in with a record of 7-7, 2-4 GSAC.
