SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. - Thanks to some special performances on both sides of the ball Tuesday, FPU women's hoops were able to turn a 14-point halftime deficit into an 11-point, 69-58 road victory over Cal State San Bernardino.   

"It was great to watch our team stay the course and commit to the game plan from start to finish," FPU Head Coach Tim Beauregard said after the game.  "Our team's experience and spirit really showed.  We didn't flinch - we just stayed focused and met the challenge head-on."

In the first quarter, the 'Yotes took an early lead, with Deannah Buckner scoring a 3-pointer just at the start of the game.  The Sunbirds responded with Bre Hurt hitting two free throws to match San Bernardino's early offense.  Mia Dufresne was active for the 'Yotes, making significant contributions with a layup and a jumper, while also collecting rebounds on both ends.  Fresno Pacific slowly chipped away at the lead, highlighted by a fast-break layup from Lydia Manu and solid free throw shooting by Olivia Garcia and Hurt.  Down the stretch, Aaliyah Seuell hit a crucial 3-pointer, and Jayla Green followed with a layup to bring the Sunbirds ahead by one point at the end of the quarter, ultimately leading 19-18.

San Bernardino were lights out in the second quarter and capitalized on their shooting opportunities, converting 11 of 19 field goal attempts while the Sunbirds struggled, making only 2 of 19 shots.  Lauryn Morris of the 'Yotes was particularly effective, scoring multiple jumpers and securing key defensive rebounds.  San Bernardino's defensive efforts were highlighted by Dufresne, who recorded three blocks, contributing to the team's defensive success.  Fresno Pacific managed to score seven points in the quarter, with Angela Whitfield contributing a layup and a jumper, but they were unable to match the 'Yotes' offensive output, and the home side went into half leading by 14.

"The first half didn't go as we'd hoped," Beauregard added.  "They made some tough shots and we missed too many open ones."

Fresno Pacific completely flipped the script to start the third quarter, overcoming the sizable deficit.  Julie Ramirez initiated the comeback with a layup at the beginning of the quarter, helping to narrow the gap.  The Coyotes struggled with turnovers, committing nine in the quarter, while the Sunbirds capitalized with five steals.  Key plays included a 3-pointer from Anisa Rillo that brought Fresno Pacific within striking distance, and a series of successful free throws and layups in the final minutes that secured a lead change.  This period of strong defense and efficient scoring allowed Fresno Pacific to take the lead heading into the final quarter.  The visiting team was efficient in the paint, scoring 14 points, and their bench contributed 13 points. San Bernardino struggled offensively, shooting just 21.4% from the field, with the Sunbirds forcing nine turnovers and recording five steals.

In the fourth quarter, Fresno Pacific outscored San Bernardino 19-9, capitalizing on their free throw opportunities by converting 9-of-10 attempts. The Sunbirds demonstrated strong defense with 3 steals and 2 blocks, while also dominating fast-break points with 12 compared to San Bernardino's 4. Despite shooting only 25% from the field, Fresno Pacific's efficient free-throw shooting and fast-break execution were pivotal in their performance.

In the fourth quarter, FPU kept their foot on the gas.  Whitfield made a significant impact with two successful 3-pointers, the first coming early in the quarter to extend their lead to 53-49.  The 'Birds capitalized on fast breaks with Ramirez scoring a layup following a defensive rebound by Green, increasing their lead to 57-51.  Jasmine Heu was consistent from the free-throw line, contributing six points in the final minutes to help solidify the victory for the Sunbirds.  The Coyotes' struggles included multiple turnovers and missed opportunities, with only Rebecca Saidoff's 3-pointer narrowing the gap briefly to 60-54.  When all was said and done, the Sunbirds' outscored the Coyotes 44-18 in the second half to put together a resounding 69-58 victory.

Our defense in the second half was outstanding," Beauregard said post-game.  "As we increased our connectivity on that end, a found a rhythm offensively."   

Hurt led the way for FPU with 15 points and 10 rebounds.  Whitfield added 14 points and nine rebounds, along with two blocks and a steal.  Manu came in with nine points and nine rebounds to go along with three steals.  Green and Heu both contributed eight points and three rebounds, with Green adding four steals.  11 total steals by the Sunbirds led to 24 points off turnovers compared to just 7 for San Bernardino - FPU's key stat performance of the night.

"This is a great win to take into Thanksgiving break as we shift our focus to the tough PacWest schedule ahead next week."

The game concludes FPU's regular season non-conference schedule, as they went 4-3 against CCAA competition to open up the year.  The 'Birds have eight days off until their next game - the PacWest season opener against Westmont.  Tip off from the Special Events Center is scheduled for next Thursday at 5pm PT, followed by the men's game at 7:30pm PT.  Both games will be simulcasted live on ESPN Radio 790 AM and the PacWest Network with Eric Bentley providing play-by-play commentary.  


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