HILO, HAWAI'I. – Fresno Pacific entered the new year on the road as they started a three-game road trip to the Islands of Hawaii. The Sunbirds opened up with the Vulcans of Hawai'I Hilo. FPU was unable to take down UHH despite exchanging leads nine different times in the match up.  

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Fresno Pacific 51, Hawaii Hilo 63
Records: FPU (6-6, 3-3 PacWest), UHH (2-7, 1-4 PacWest)
Location: Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium | Hilo, Hawaii  
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
• The Sunbirds got off to a quick start as they went on a six-point run to open up the competition as Ashley Cross and Bayli McClard each converted on three-point plays. Hilo turned things around however as they closed out the first quarter on an eight-point run of their own and take a three-point lead.
• FPU and UHH went back-and-forth in the second quarter exchanging leads. Sara Lundqvist got the 'Birds with in one-point to close out the quarter as she knocked down a jumper with 1:37 left in the first half.   
• Fresno took the lead back to start the third quarter but were unable to hang on to it. UHH managed to increase their lead to five as they closed out the third quarter with six unanswered points.
• The Vulcans secured their win in the fourth quarter as they outscored the 'Birds 20-13 in the last quarter of play.
 
STATS FROM THE GAME:
• Bayli McClard and Ashley Cross were the only two Sunbirds to score in the double digits as McClard totaled 12 and Cross added 11.  
• FPU managed to pull down 42 rebounds compared to UHH's 36.
• Cassie Pisik added nine points and nine rebounds for the 'Birds despite the loss.   
• FPU recorded seven steals and caused the Vulcans to turn the ball over 15 times.  

SOCIAL:
• Twitter - @fpusunbirds
• Instagram - @fpusunbirds 
• Facebook - /FPUathletics
 
UP NEXT:
• Fresno Pacific will island hop to Honolulu to take on Hawai'I Pacific on January 4^th at 3:00 p.m. PST.