Riverside, CA - Keairra White scored a game high 32 points, but it proved to be not enough as California Baptist (5-1, 1-0 PacWest) poured in 53 second half points to win the PacWest opener 87-53. The Sunbirds (0-6, 0-1 PacWest) were out-rebounded 50-33 by the Lancers, grabbing 23 offensive rebounds, in the loss.

White was aggressive all night, getting to the free throw line 18 times knocking down 16 of them. She also totaled four rebounds and two assists in the loss. Charde Stevens also scored 14 points and totaled six rebounds.

While the two combined for 46 of the 63 total points for FPU, California Baptist displayed a balanced attack on offense behind five players in double figures led by 23 from Jasmine Beverly and 21 from Brittney Lewis. 

The Sunbirds came out in the first half sluggish, failing to make a field goal until the 9:56 remaining mark and falling behind 18-3 behind six turnovers. Once FPU found the bottom of the basket, the offense began to click behind White and Stevens.

White was an absolute monster in the half, climbing the Sunbirds back into the game possession after possession. After draining a three to bring the deficit to 19-8, White found the nylon again from deep to put the score at 23-12. Stevens got in the mix with a three of her own as FPU trailed by eight 23-15 with 7:08 left in the half.

The Sunbirds would continue to cut the lead, trailing by three following two free-throws by White before going into intermission down 34-28. White and Stevens combined for the 28 first half points for FPU, 21 from White on 5-9 shooting (9-10 FT) and seven from Stevens on 2-3 shooting (2-2 FT).

Trailing only by six at the half, Fresno Pacific was on the wrong end of a 19-7 run by California Baptist at the start of the second half to distance the two squads 53-35 with 12:50 remaining in regulation. 

FPU tried to mount a comeback following a Stevens three and a White layup to pull within 12 with 7:26 remaining, but the Lancers proved to be too much to handle on the offensive glass. CBU expanded the lead to 74-54 with 4:37 to go following a Lancer three and was able to finish out the game strong winning 87-53.

The Sunbirds were held to 33% from the field on the night and also turned the ball over 21 times, propelling the Lancers, who shot 42% from the floor, to the victory. 

Callie Kloubec added eight points in the loss for FPU and Breana Buczek totaled four points and six rebounds. FPU was without point guard Jenay Herring and forward Keri Stephanoff due to injury.

Fresno Pacific returns home on Saturday, December 8th to take on Dixie State at home at 2:30 pm.