FRESNO, Calif. – The Sunbirds came out ready for PacWest play as they hosted Academy of Art in their conference opener. Fresno got off to a quick start as they outscored Art 47-21 going into halftime and would keep their momentum into the second half and move to 3-3 overall and 1-0 in conference play.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Fresno Pacific 95, Academy of Art 63
Records: FPU (3-3, 1-0 PacWest), AAU (2-1, 0-1 PacWest)
Location: The Special Events Center | Fresno, Calif.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
• The Sunbirds exploded in the first quarter as they scored 32 points compared to the Knights 10. FPU started off quickly as they went on a seven-point run to start the first quarter.
Bayli McClard completed a three-point play to close out the first quarter and give the 'Birds a 22-point lead.
• Fresno outscored Art in the second quarter as well but the 'Knights were able to keep the 'Birds to only 15-points in the second quarter. A jumper by
Cassie Pisik with just over a minute left to play gave the Sunbirds a 30-point lead. The Knights were able to grab four-points at the end of the half to bring the 'Birds lead to 26-points.
• AAU scored on an easy layup to start the second half but FPU answered with a three by Pisik. The 'Birds went on a seven-point run with under a minute left to play and extend their lead to 33-points.
• The fourth quarter was a similar story to the rest of the game as the Sunbirds outscored the Knights and secured the win over Art.
STATS FROM THE GAME:
• Cassie Pisik had a game high of 27 points and pulled down 14 rebounds for her 19
th double-double and to move into 7
th all-time.
• Ashley Cross,
Bayli McClard, and
Jessica Malazarte all scored in the double digits. Cross added 17 while McClard and Malazarte each had 15.
• The 'Birds collected 10 steals in the game, seven of which were made by
Ashley Cross.
• Bayli McClard also recorded a double-double as she grabbed 10 rebounds for the Sunbirds.
• Fresno outscored their opponent in all four-quarters for the first time this season.
SOCIAL:
• Twitter -
@fpusunbirds
• Instagram -
@fpusunbirds
• Facebook -
/FPUathletics
UP NEXT:
• The 'Birds will travel to Oakland, Calif. to take on Holy Names at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 7
th.
#TeamFPU
