FRESNO, Calif.-A slow-shooting second half cost the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds (0-3 overall) in a 61-50 loss Wednesday night to the San Francisco State Gators (2-1 overall) inside the Special Events Center.

Fresno Pacific shot well over 40% in the first half and raced out to a ten point lead in the first half and converted eight SF State turnovers into 10 points.

The Gators were just 1-8 at the free throw line in the opening half which created an opportunity for FPU.

The Sunbirds received a pair of threes from Alvar Peloniemi and big man Harrison Pennisi had six early points as FPU built a 32-26 lead at the half.

The 'Birds solidified that advantage at the end of the half with an Isaac Peralta steal and layup to assure the two possession game.

Fresno Pacific maintained the lead for the first four minutes of the second half before a 17-3 run, which included a six minute offensive drought for FPU, flipped the score.

SF State tied the game at 41 midway through the half and took its first lead just a minute later.

The run put the Gators up by as much as eight with 5:30 left in the game but they ran it to as many as 14, closing the game on a 29-9 run.

SF State benefitted from nine points off FPU turnovers in the second half while the Sunbirds did not convert any turnovers into points in the second half.

"We just never found our footing in the second half," head coach C.J. Haydock. "In the first half we generated whatever we wanted. In the second half, we generated some good stuff early and then it didn't fall and we panicked instead of staying the course. But we have to be better on offense."

The Sunbirds will be back in action Saturday, traveling to Cal State Dominiguez Hills at 3:00pm.

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