LA MIRADA, Calif. – The Fresno Pacific women's basketball team picked up a PacWest Conference victory on Saturday evening, defeating Biola 77-59 on the road.
 
QUOTABLE:
"It was a total team effort tonight, and we did a great job of finding each other and always making the extra pass. Our focus was to play for one another and to bring a sustained defensive effort. I thought we did a great job of always having a defensive presence in the key and on the boards. It's a quick turnaround for us, as we have one day to prepare for Holy Names. We will be challenged in our mental preparation and look forward to the immediate opportunity to play again on Monday." – head coach Tim Beauregard
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Fresno Pacific 77, Biola 59
Records: FPU (4-8, 2-2 PacWest), Biola (2-6, 1-3 PacWest)
Location: Chase Gymnasium | La Mirada, Calif.  
All-Time Series: FPU leads 46-22
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HOW IT HAPPENED:
• The Eagles controlled the opening tip, but FPU's Bree Alvarez came away with the first bucket of the night at the other end of the floor.
• Six Sunbirds found the bottom of the net in the first quarter, but the Eagles went back-and-forth with their guests to remain in striking distance.
• Fresno Pacific outscored Biola 21-5 in the second quarter, carrying a 45-27 advantage into the locker room at the intermission.
• Biola was able to match the Sunbirds' offense in the second half, but the damage had been done, allowing FPU to pick up their second PacWest victory of the season.
 
STATS OF THE GAME:
• Jessica Malazarte's 17 points were good enough for a team-high, marking the third consecutive game she has led the Sunbirds in scoring.
• Megan Lee and Cassie Pisik went for 15 points apiece, while Bree Alvarez tallied 12 points of her own.
• Pisik hauled in a game-high eight rebounds while adding four assists, while Lee finished on her heels with seven.
• For Biola, DeMoria White led all scorers with 20 points, while Danielle Kennedy (14 points) was the only other Eagle in double-figures.   
• FPU outrebounded their hosts 43-38, including 30 on the defensive glass.
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• Fresno Pacific committed just 13 turnovers and forced 17, and the Sunbirds have now won the turnover battle in three of their first four league games.
• Pisik has led the team in rebounds on five occasions this season, more than any other player.  
• The Sunbirds have seen four players score in double-figures on five occasions, and they are now 3-2 in those games.
 
UP NEXT:
• The Sunbirds are back in action on Monday, when they look for their second consecutive season sweep over Holy Names. Tipoff from the Special Events Center is slated for 5:30 p.m.