FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno Pacific women's basketball team suffered its' second PacWest Conference loss of the season on Friday, falling 79-72 against Hawai'i Pacific at the Special Events Center. The Sunbirds now have their two busiest stretches of the season behind them and will have a week off before returning to the floor. 
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: HPU 79, FPU 72    
Records: FPU (10-4, 6-2 PacWest), Hawai'i Pacific (8-5, 6-1 PacWest)
Location: Special Events Center | Fresno, Calif.   
Series: HPU leads 9-2
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
• Julia Locastro controlled the opening tip for the Sunbirds, but the two teams combined to make just of their first 16 field goals on the afternoon.
• Cassie Pisik and Jessica Malazarte hit back-to-back three to give the Blue and Orange a ten-point lead with 8:35 to play in the first half.
• Eight Sunbird turnovers helped HPU follow with a 20-6 run to close out the second quarter, giving the Sharks a 34-30 lead at the intermission.
• With Lambrigsten and Breanna Mackenzie combining for 18 points, the Sharks were able to match the Sunbirds bucket for bucket in the third quarter.
• Pisik converted an and-one to bring the 'Birds within a bucket with 7:46 to play, and Bree Alvarez and Ashley Cross each added a triple on the ensuing possessions to help FPU regain the lead. 
• Starr Rivera answered with a three at the other end to put the Sharks in front by a point, and HPU put the foot on the accelerator from there, outscoring FPU 12-6 down the stretch.  
 
STATS FROM THE GAME:
• Malazarte and Lambrigsten matched one another for a game-high 21 points, while Mackenzie rounded out a double-double with 20 points and ten boards.  
• Cassie Pisik finished a rebound shy of a double-double for the second straight game, while Alvarez and Cross went for 12 and 11 respectively.     
• Hawai'i Pacific claimed a 45-39 advantage on the glass, but the Sunbirds won the turnover battle by a margin of 18-16.    
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• Malazarte has led FPU in scoring in all three games this week and four times overall this season.
• Both of Fresno Pacific's league losses have come against Hawai'i Pacific.    
 
SOCIAL:
• Twitter - @fpusunbirds
• Instagram - @fpusunbirds 
• Facebook - /FPUathletics
 
UP NEXT:
• The Sunbirds are back in action next Saturday, when they head to the Bay Area to take on Academy of Art in the lone game of the week. Tipoff from San Francisco's Kezar Pavilion is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.