Fresno Pacific edged Chico State 66-64 in its final non-conference game, overcoming a 14-point first quarter deficit to pick up its first home victory of the season. FPU shot a season-high 58% from the floor in the win.

Taylor Caspers scored 19 points on 7-of-9 shooting to lead the Sunbirds (2-5). Megan Lee added 12 points and Kristina Smith had 10. Lee, Smith and Abrina Salas each dished out five assists.

"After falling behind early we really picked up the intensity," said head coach Lindsey Wilson. "We've been working really hard in practice on playing with intensity for a full 40 minutes. By the second quarter we were diving for loose balls and the energy from our defensive effort translated into scoring. We have to play team basketball to win and we did a great job of sharing the ball, finishing with 19 assists on the night. This is a good win for us that gives us confidence heading into our PacWest home opener."

Chico State jumped out to a 23-9 lead in the first quarter. The Sunbirds still trailed 32-21 midway through the second but back-to-back threes by Hannah Ramirez started a 13-2 FPU run to finish the half that tied the game at 34.

FPU extended the run out of the break, scoring the first five points of the second half. The Sunbirds continued the momentum throughout the third quarter and led 53-50 heading into the fourth. FPU led by as many as seven before a late Chico State run evened the scored with two minutes to play. Caspers would score the decisive bucket on a layup with 27 seconds remaining and Lee would come away with a steal on the final possession.

The Sunbirds overcame 23 turnovers in the win. The team turned in a quality defensive effort, forcing 20 turnovers and limiting the Wildcats to 38.6% shooting.

The Wildcats got 15 points from Whitney Branham, falling to 4-3 on the season.

FPU hosts Academy of Art this Saturday in its PacWest home opener. Fans can get in free by bringing a toy to donate to Toys For Tots.