BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The Fresno Pacific women's basketball team suffered its' first loss of the season on Saturday night, falling 66-65 to Western Washington at the final horn. The Sunbirds end their opening weekend with their first ever 1-1 record in the 2018 West Region Crossover Classic. 
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Western Washington 66, Fresno Pacific 65   
Records: FPU (1-1), WWU (1-1)
Location: Carver Gym | Bellingham, Wash.
Series: WWU leads 6-0
 
HEAD COACH TIM BEAUREGARD 
• On Western Washington: "We found out tonight that we don't have to shoot lights out to win a game. We had an off night and lost by one to a team that's good on a national scale. It's encouraging for us that we were able to have a chance at the end. After a game like this, it's easy to scrutinize every detail, but we're not going to do that. We are enthused about our effort this weekend, and the most frustrating part for us right now is that we're not playing again tomorrow."
 
• On the final shot: "We got exactly what we wanted. We got the ball in Jess' hands, and she got a great look at the rim. We'll take that on every single possession, and it just didn't fall this time. It's gut-wrenching, but our heads are high, and we're looking forward to moving on to the next one."
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
• FPU struggled to find the stroke early on, shooting just 2-of-11 over the first six minutes of the game.
• Barbara Keomany came off the bench to jumpstart the Sunbird offense, helping the Blue and Orange to finish the first quarter on a 12-2 run.
• The Sunbirds failed to connect on a three-ball in the first half but managed to keep the deficit at four points heading to the intermission. 
• FPU spread the ball around during the entire third quarter, and a Bree Alvarez three put the Birds within a bucket for the stretch run. 
• Jessica Malazarte converted an and-one with six minutes to play, giving the 'Birds their first lead since the second quarter.
• The Sunbirds were able to grab their biggest lead of the game, but Western Washington quickly went on a 7-0 run to once again pull even. 
• Cassie Pisik connected on a deep two from the right wing to end the streak, but the intensity at Carver Gym was only beginning.
• With the game tied at 63, WWU called a timeout on their end of the floor but was forced to settle for a free throw and a one-point lead.
• The Sunbirds hauled in the rebound to immediately call a timeout, and a blocking foul sent Ashley Cross to the charity stripe with nine seconds to play.
• Cross sank both efforts from the line to regain the FPU lead, but Viking forward Anna Schwecke hit a layup with three seconds left.
• After a Sunbird timeout, Malazarte took a runner for the game-winner, but the shot rimmed out, and the home team was finally able to exhale. 
  
STATS FROM THE GAME:
• Cross led all scorers with 14 points, while Malazarte finished on her heels with 13.
• Julia LoCastro and Ayla Faber combined for 13 rebounds, while Cross and Pisik each totaled three steals.
• Emma Duff collected a double-double as one of four Vikings in double-figures, posting 11 points and a game-best 10 rebounds.
• As a team, the 'Birds shot 42% from inside the arc and 87% from the free throw line.
• WWU claimed a 48-30 rebounding advantage, but FPU committed just 13 turnovers while forcing their hosts into 26.
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• The Sunbirds have won the turnover battle in both of their games so far this season.
• Nine different Sunbirds found the bottom of the net on Saturday night.  
 
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