FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno Pacific women's basketball team continued its' hot streak on Monday evening, defeating UC Merced 83-74 at the Special Events Center. The Sunbirds have now won three straight and will look to maintain the momentum later this week when they head to Hawaii for a three game slate.        
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Fresno Pacific 83, UC Merced 74
Records: FPU (4-1), UCM (6-3)
Location: Special Events Center | Fresno, Calif. 
Series: FPU leads 3-1
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
• The Sunbirds scored the first two buckets of the game, but a 10-0 Bobcat run helped hand the home team a seven-point deficit at the end of the first quarter.
• Bree Alvarez turned a steal into an easy layup at the other end of the floor, giving the Blue and Orange a 37-36 lead with 2:34 left to play in the half.    
• UC Merced's fast break at the end of the second helped the Bobcats carry a three-point lead into the locker room at the intermission, but Ashley Cross opened the third quarter with a three to pull the 'Birds even. 
• Behind a big third quarter from Jessica Malazarte, Fresno Pacific was able to outscore their guests 25-16 and enter the final period with a six-point advantage.
• The Bobcats were able to get within a bucket in the fourth, but the 'Birds were able to hang on to remain undefeated on their home floor.
 
STATS FROM THE GAME:
• Bree Alvarez led all scorers for the second straight game, racking up a season-high 21 points.
• Malazarte and Cross went for 19 and 17 respectively, with the latter finishing a rebound shy of a double-double.   
• Cassie Pisik led the Sunbirds with 12 boards to pick up her second double-double of the year, including eight on the defensive glass.
• FPU outrebounded UCM 54-48, while both teams committed 17 turnovers.
• Mia Belvin put a team-high 18 points for the Bobcats, while Rainah Smith and Mia Shannon combined for 27 points and 23 rebounds.
 
GAME BALL PERFORMANCE
• Ashley Cross: 25 minutes, 17 points, 6-8 from the floor, 9 rebounds, 2 steals
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• The Sunbirds saw four players score in double-figures for the third consecutive game.
• Monday's win gives FPU its' best five-game start since the 2011-12 season.
 
SOCIAL:
• Twitter - @fpusunbirds
• Instagram - @fpusunbirds 
• Facebook - /FPUathletics
 
UP NEXT:
• FPU is back in action against Chaminade on Thursday, when they begin PacWest Conference play with the first of three games in Hawaii. Tipoff from Honolulu is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PST.