FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno Pacific women's basketball team wrapped up the season sweep of Academy of Art on Wednesday night, defeating the Urban Knights 96-82 at the Special Events Center. The Sunbirds surpass last season's win total with the victory and inch closer to their first ever NCAA Postseason berth.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Fresno Pacific 96, Academy of Art 82
Records: FPU (14-6, 10-4 PacWest), AA (3-14, 2-12)
Location: Special Events Center | Fresno, Calif.    
Series: AAU leads 7-4
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
• Julia Locastro controlled the opening tip for the Sunbirds, but the Urban Knights came away with the first bucket of the game after a missed FPU three.
• Rachel Berry wrapped up the opening quarter with a steal and a fast break layup at the other end, giving the Blue and Orange a 22-16 edge after the first ten minutes. 
• Brianna Cates brought AAU within four with a jumper on the first possession of the second quarter, but the Sunbirds answered with an 11-2 run.
• Fresno Pacific knocked down almost 49% of their shots from the floor in the first half, and Ashley Cross' 18 points helped the 'Birds carry a 14-point lead into the intermission. 
• The Sunbirds put the foot on the gas in the second half, going up by as many as 20 late in the third quarter.
• Cassie Pisik, Jessica Malazarte and Bree Alvarez combined for 31 points over the final 20 minutes to help FPU pick up its' 14th win for the first time since the 2011-12 season. 
 
STATS FROM THE GAME:
• AAU's Karleigh Joseph led all scorers with 31 points after an impressive 11-of-18 shooting effort and a perfect 8-of-8 clip from the free throw line.     
• All five Sunbird starters ended their night in double-figures, with Cross going for a team-high 22 points.  
• Pisik followed with 18 of her own while grabbing a game-best 11 rebounds to round out her sixth double-double of the season.  
• The Sunbirds shot 47% from the floor for the game and won the turnover battle yet again.   
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• The Sunbirds are now 12-0 this season when leading at halftime.
• FPU has swept the season series from Academy of Art for the second consecutive year after dropping the first seven all-time meetings.
• The Blue and Orange defeated the Urban Knights by an average of 15 points in their two meetings this season.
 
SOCIAL:
• Twitter - @fpusunbirds
• Instagram - @fpusunbirds 
• Facebook - /FPUathletics
 
UP NEXT:
• The Sunbirds hit the road for a two-game road trip beginning on Saturday, when they take on Holy Names in the Bay Area. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.