SAN RAFAEL, Calif. - Game one of the PacWest/CCAA Dominican Crossover went the way of the 'Birds, as FPU comprehensively knocked off San Francisco State 78-61.  Since dropping their season opener to Chico State, the Sunbirds have now won back-to-back games against CCAA competition to move their season record to 2-1.  

SF State came out strong and took an early lead before Fresno Pacific started draining threes from Lydia Manu, Jasmine Heu, and Angela Whitfield to take the lead and never look back.  The 'Birds shot an efficient 60% behind the arc to take a 22-16 lead after one quarter.  Despite committing six turnovers, the Sunbirds maintained their edge with 16 total rebounds and a 9-point contribution from the bench. The Gators struggled with their shooting, making just 6 of 22 field goal attempts, but capitalized on the Sunbirds' turnovers with 6 points from fast breaks.

FPU continued to outscore the Gators in the second quarter, largely due to their success from the free-throw line and defensive pressure.  Aaliyah Seuell's contribution with two free throws and a three-pointer extended their lead to nine with less than five to play in the half. Fresno Pacific's defense was effective, resulting in three steals and forcing several turnovers. The 'Birds went into half up by 11, 32-21.  

The Gators outscored the Sunbirds in the third, but it wasn't enough to take the lead or control the game.   SF State cut the lead to as close at six, but a free throw by Bre Hurt and another Whitfield three got FPU back up by double digits.  Baskets from Jayla Green, Anisa Rillo, and Hurt bumped the lead as high as 14.  Kira Wilmurt added four points to close out the quarter for the Sunbirds leading by nine.  

In the fourth quarter, Fresno Pacific began to run away through consistent scoring and strong defensive presence. The Sunbirds began the quarter with a jumper by Hurt and a three-pointer from Heu, extending their advantage. SF State struggled offensively, shooting only 3-for-16 from the field, and were unable to capitalize on Fresno Pacific's five turnovers. Manu and Green contributed key baskets, with Green's layup at 1:30 further increasing the Sunbirds' lead to 75-59. Despite the Gators' efforts, including defensive plays that resulted in four steals, Fresno Pacific's balanced attack and solid rebounding helped them maintain control until the final buzzer.

Hurt was ever-present throughout the contest and led the way with 16 points on .750 shooting from the field and .800 from the free throw line.  Green added 12 points and 9 rebounds to continue leading the team in both categories early in the season.   Rillo, Heu, and Whitfield combined for over half of FPU's 11 threes.  The FPU bench added 32 points and every player suited up for the 'Birds scored in the game, contributing to a full and complete team effort.  

The Sunbirds continue on in the Dominican Crossover Saturday against the CCAA's Cal State Monterey Bay.  Tipoff is set for 5pm PT from the Conlan Center in San Rafael and will be streaming live on the PacWest Network.


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