FRESNO, Calif. – Playing in front of the home crowd for the first time this season, the Fresno Pacific women's basketball team picked up an 80-69 victory over San Francisco State on Thursday evening. Cassie Pisik and Jessica Malazarte each recorded a double-double to lead the Sunbirds, who improve to 2-1 on the young season.  
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Fresno Pacific 80, San Francisco State 69   
Records: FPU (2-1), SFSU (0-3)
Location: Special Events Center | Fresno, Calif.  
Series: FPU leads 4-1
 
HEAD COACH TIM BEAUREGARD 
• "SFSU is a good team who can score in a lot of different ways. We knew this would be a challenge, so we don't take this one lightly. For the majority of the game, we played at the pace we want, and when we play that way, we become a tough out. We have weapons that can shoot the ball at a high clip from distance. We need to get great at some things, but we're not quite there yet. We've won games against two different styles of teams now, and it gives us confidence that we can play our style against multiple looks. There is a strong desire in our program to pursue excellence, and leading into our next stretch of games, there will be a relentless focus in our practices because we know how vital it is that we improve." 
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
• Julia Locastro helped the Sunbirds control the opening tip, and Pisik connected with a three-ball to force SFSU to call a timeout just 29 seconds into the game.  
• The Gators shot 42% from the floor in the first quarter to take a 20-16 lead heading into the second. 
• Bree Alvarez became the first player of the night to reach double-figures in scoring, allowing the Blue and Orange to carry a one-point advantage into the locker room at the intermission.   
• FPU pulled away in the third quarter, connecting of 12-of-19 from the floor, including treys from Pisik, Malazarte and freshman Kate McClard.
• With 9:35 to play, McClard connected on another three to push FPU's lead to 21, the largest of the game. 
 
STATS FROM THE GAME:
• Pisik finished the night with a game-high in points and rebounds, while Malazarte's ten assists helped her record a double-double of her own.
• Bree Alvarez added 15 points, while Rachel Berry came off the bench for another 11.
• Gator forward Jhaina Stephens hauled in a double-double of her own after putting in a team-high 13 points and 10 boards.
• The Sunbirds claimed the advantage in turnovers, shooting percentage, and free throw percentage, but SFSU collected 50 of the games 95 rebounds.
 
GAME BALL PERFORMANCE
• Cassie Pisik: 32 minutes, 16 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 steals
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• The Sunbirds have won the turnover battle in each of their games so far this season.
• Thursday night marked the first time this year that four Sunbird players got into double-figures.   
 
SOCIAL:
• Twitter - @fpusunbirds
• Instagram - @fpusunbirds 
• Facebook - /FPUathletics
 
UP NEXT:
• FPU is back in action next Saturday, when they host Pacific Union at the Special Events Center. Opening tip is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.