RENO, Nev. - The Fresno Pacific women's basketball team gave Nevada all it could handle on Friday afternoon, falling by a final of 71-67 on the road. Senior guard Jessica Malazarte led the Sunbirds offensively, going for a season-high 20 points. 
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:  

• Final: Nevada 71, FPU 67  
• Location: Lawlor Events Center | Reno, Nev.   

QUOTABLE:   

• "We fought hard defensively the whole game, a few breakdowns here and there, but overall we showed the type of effort, communication, and togetherness we strive to have on that side of the floor. Offensively we were much more rushed than we want to be. Part of that was Nevada's size, physicality, and athleticism, but much of it was us being in a hurry for no reason. We have to learn from this, both as a coaching staff, and as players, to be able to make better in game adjustments and give ourselves an opportunity to win close games. We are excited to learn and grow from this game in all areas and strive to tighten up our approach as we move forward." – fifth-year head coach Tim Beauregard 

 
HOW IT HAPPENED:  

• The Wolf Pack edged the Blue and Orange 16-12 over the first three and a half minutes of the game, but FPU freshmen Anisa Rillo and Bre Hurt combined for a 9-0 Sunbird run to help the 'Birds take a 23-20 lead after into the second quarter. 
• FPU shot north of 52% from the floor in the first half, with Malazarte and Rillo teaming up for 18 points along the way. 
• The Sunbirds shot a perfect 6-of-6 from the charity stripe in the third quarter, but Nevada's Da'Ja Hamilton went on an offensive tear, scoring 13 straight points for the Wolf Pack to push the home team back in front heading to the fourth. 
• FPU stayed within striking distance for the duration of the game, with Vanessa Cochrane knocking down a corner three just ahead of the final horn to cut into Nevada's largest lead of the day. 

STATS FROM THE GAME:  

• Malazarte, Megan Sheret and Rachel Berry each grabbed five rebounds, but the Wolf Pack won the battle of the glass by a margin of 43-36.
• Hamilton ended as the game's leading scorer with 24 points, while Megan Ormiston and LaPraisjah Johsnon went for 16 and 12 respectively.
• Cochrane and fellow newcomer Maesyn Rix gave the Sunbirds six points apiece off the bench. 

 
SOCIAL:  

• Twitter - @fpusunbirds  
• Instagram - @fpusunbirds   
• Facebook - /FPUathletics  

 
UP NEXT:  

• The Sunbirds now turn their attention to the spring, with the PacWest Conference schedule set to be announced in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to FPUAthletics.com for further updates. 
   

SUNBIRD SOCIAL:
• Twitter - @fpusunbirds
• Instagram - @fpusunbirds 
• Facebook - /FPUathletics