FRESNO,Calif.- In a cross town exhibition, the Fresno State Bulldogs took care of the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds Monday night 72-46 at the Save Mart Center.
"It's always such a great opportunity for us to travel across town and play at the Save Mart Center," said head coach
Tim Beauregard. "It's a very fun experience for our team and our fans, I'm always thankful Fresno State has us back every year and allows us to compete at a high level."
The game began with both teams trading early baskets, setting a competitive tone.
Anisa Rillo opened the scoring with a layup.
Fresno State quickly responded with free throws to tie the game at 2-2.
Bre Hurt provided a solid inside presence for the Sunbirds, making a couple of jumpers to maintain the scoring pace, while Jayla Green added to the Sunbirds' efforts with a layup in the paint.
However, turnovers plagued the Sunbirds, as they committed four in the first few minutes, allowing Fresno State to capitalize with quick transition play.
As the quarter progressed, Fresno Pacific held their ground defensively.
The 'Birds contested shots effectively, limiting Fresno State to a 33% shooting performance for the quarter (4-of-12).
With contributions from Rillo and Green, the 'Birds built small leads multiple times, though the Bulldogs answered each time.
The Sunbirds out rebounded Fresno State 10-9 in this period, largely due to their strong positioning under the basket.
Fresno Pacific ended the quarter with a slim advantage, but Fresno State tied it up just before the buzzer, leaving the score at 13-13 heading into the second quarter.
The Sunbirds continued their aggressive play into the second quarter.
Hurt continued to find success in the mid-range, while Green remained active on both ends of the floor.
Jenna Kurz came in a made an immediate impact scoring a jumper in the paint to provide a spark.
However, the Bulldogs adjusted defensively, applying more pressure and causing the 'Birds to turn the ball over frequently.
These turnovers gave Fresno State extra possessions, and they began to take advantage with more efficient shooting.
Despite the Bird's efforts to close the gap, the Bulldogs held a narrow 28-26 lead at halftime, powered by a balanced scoring approach and capitalizing on Sunbird turnovers.
The third quarter proved challenging for Fresno Pacific as Fresno State's defense intensified.
Fresno State opened the quarter with a quick scoring run.
Fresno State extended their lead by consistently exploiting the Sunbirds' turnovers, converting them into quick baskets.
The 'Birds offense stalled, scoring only 7 points in the quarter as they faced a swarming Bulldog defense that forced them into nine turnovers.
Fresno State's aggressive on-ball defense disrupted Fresno Pacific's rhythm, making it difficult for the Sunbirds to get quality shots off.
The Sunbirds attempted to respond, but their shooting woes continued, particularly from the three-point line, where they went 0-of-1 in the quarter.
Fresno State, on the other hand, showcased their shooting versatility, hitting two three-pointers in the period and maintaining pressure with consistent inside scoring.
The Bulldogs closed the quarter on a high note, outscoring the 'Birds 19-7, and heading into the fourth quarter with a commanding 47-33 lead.
In the final quarter, Fresno Pacific came out determined to narrow the deficit.
Green and Lydia Manu attempted to lead a comeback with quick scores, but the Dog's strong offensive execution kept the Sunbirds at bay.
Fresno State's bench played a crucial role in this quarter, adding 22 points throughout the game, which provided them with a boost as they maintained their lead.
Despite a strong effort, the Sunbirds struggled to keep up, particularly on the defensive boards, allowing Fresno State multiple second-chance opportunities.
Fresno State capitalized on these, securing crucial points in the paint and building a 20 point lead.
The Dogs defense forced the Sunbirds into five more turnovers in the final period, cementing Fresno State's control over the game.
"I thought we showed good stretches of real tough basketball and just got a little worn down by their size, physicality, and skill, for other stretches" remarked Beauregard. "When we look back on this game, it will certainly give us some things to work on, but some things to be proud of. Beauregard concluded by saying "we've got a great team, now it's just about getting a little bit better and getting focused and prepared."
Fresno State closed out the quarter, outscoring Fresno Pacific 25-13 and sealing a 72-46 victory.
The Sunbirds will host the Fresno Pacific Crossover this weekend with Chico State and Sonoma State coming to the Special Events Center.
Fresno Pacifc will play Chico State Friday at 6:30pm and Sonoma State Saturday at 2:30pm.
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