HAYWARD, Calif. - Jayla Green knocked down 9 of her 10 shots to pace FPU in a smooth and steady 61-48 road victory over Cal State East Bay Saturday night.  The senior led the team in scoring (20) and rebounds (11) for her first double-double of the year.  The victory moves the Sunbirds back to .500 at 3-3.

East Bay started the first quarter strong, with a 6-0 lead to begin the game.  The visiting team capitalized on their three-point shooting, with Angela Whitfield contributing two key 3-pointers to give the 'Birds the lead.  Green played a pivotal role, not only scoring but also securing multiple defensive rebounds and blocking a shot at 7:45.  East Bay struggled with their shooting, making just 3 out of 17 field goal attempts.  Once the Sunbirds overtook the lead at 7-6, they never trailed the rest of the way.  

In the second quarter, Fresno Pacific outscored East Bay 13-9, extending their lead. Anisa Rillo and Whitfield contributed significantly to Fresno Pacific's offense with their three-point shooting, with Rillo hitting a 3-pointer early in the quarter and Whitfield adding another at the 6:50 mark.  Fresno Pacific maintained their momentum through Green's 3-pointer and jumper, helping them to finish the quarter with a 10-point lead.

In the third quarter, Fresno Pacific capitalized on turnovers and fast breaks.  Fresno Pacific scored six points off turnovers and five on fast breaks, while East Bay struggled and turned the ball over nine times.  The Sunbirds also made seven of eight free throws, compared to East Bay's one of four, building their lead despite shooting just 25% from the field.

FPU started strong in the fourth with consecutive 3-pointers by Jasmine Heu and Lydia Manu, both assisted by Rillo, extending their lead to 50-30.  Despite a series of missed shots and turnovers, East Bay managed to close the gap slightly with contributions from Aloha Akaka, who hit two 3-pointers in the quarter.  Fresno Pacific maintained control with a solid defensive effort, highlighted by Manu's block and several key defensive rebounds.  With the win, FPU moves to 3-3 on the season with their entire schedule so far against CCAA competition in this early, nonconference portion of the season.  

The Sunbirds featured several standout players in the victory.  Whitfield made significant contributions with 13 points, shooting 5-of-10 from the field, including 3-of-7 from beyond the arc, and leading the team with four blocks.  Manu was effective defensively with two steals.  Rillo facilitated the offense, dishing out a team-high six assists, while also contributing six rebounds.  Green led all scorers with 20 points, shooting an impressive 9-of-10 from the field and securing a double-double with 11 rebounds.

The Sunbirds will stay on the road this week and head to SoCal to face CSU San Bernardino before returning home for Thanksgiving.  The non-conference clash is set to tip off Tuesday at 3pm.  


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