FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno Pacific women's basketball team was tripped up on Saturday afternoon, falling 68-60 to nationally-ranked Hawai'i Pacific in PacWest Conference action.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: #24 HPU 68, FPU 60
Records: FPU (11-14 9-8 PacWest), HPU (20-2, 14-1 PacWest)  
Location: Fresno, Calif. | Special Events Center    
All-Time Series: HPU leads 6-2
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HOW IT HAPPENED:
• The Sharks controlled the opening tip, and guard Jessi Reeves came away with the first bucket of the night.
• The two teams exchanged buckets for most of the first half, but a 40% effort from behind the three-point line had the Sunbirds in front by three at the intermission.
• Saturday's third quarter proved to be the difference in the game, as the Sharks doubled up their hosts 28-14 for the period.
• FPU was able to cut their deficit to five on three occasions in the fourth quarter, but HPU was able to hold on for the road victory.
 
STATS OF THE GAME:
• Jessica Malazarte once again led the Sunbirds offensively, tallying 19 points and four assists to lead the team in both categories.
• Ashley Cross followed with 13 points of her own, while Cassie Pisik finished a point shy of a double-double after collecting 11 rebounds.
• For HPU, Samantha Limbrigtsen's 13 points was good enough for a team-high, while Reeves and Jessica Harley each chipped in 12.
• The Sharks outrebounded the Sunbirds 45-36, but the Blue and Orange forced 15 turnovers and committed only 11.
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• Saturday's win was the 16th in a row for Hawai'i Pacific.
• The Sunbirds have won the turnover battle in all but three PacWest games this season.
 
UP NEXT:
• FPU returns to action next Saturday, when they host California Baptist in the final home game of the season. Tipoff is slated for 2:30 p.m., and the Sunbirds will recognize their senior class following the game.