HAYWARD, Calif.- A hard fought game from start to finish failed to go the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds way as they dropped their season opener Friday night in Hayward to the Stanislaus State Warriors.
The game started with high intensity as both teams sought an early lead.
Harrison Pennisi got the Sunbirds on the board first with a layup, but Stanislaus quickly responded, igniting a back-and-forth exchange.
Early in the half, the 'Birds showed defensive prowess with two quick steals by Isaac Peralta, which he converted into fast-break layups, giving Fresno Pacific a brief lead.
However, the Warriors soon took control through efficient three-point shooting and contributions from their bench.
Hot shooting helped Stanislaus State build a lead that the 'Birds struggled to overcome, especially since they unable to convert any of their six three-point attempts in the half.
While the 'Birds excelled in points in the paint, matching the Warriors with 16 in the first half, their perimeter struggles and Stanislaus State's transition game created a widening gap on the scoreboard.
The 'Birds entered halftime trailing 24-35.
Coming out of the halftime break, the 'Birds demonstrated renewed energy and intensity.
They improved their shooting accuracy, hitting four three-pointers in the second half, and made strategic adjustments that helped them stay in the game.
Pennisi continued his solid performance in the paint, while Peralta and Mylo Santos contributed key rebounds and defensive stops.
One of the standout sequences early in the second half saw Peralta nail a three-pointer, assisted by Ryan Abbott, which seemed to inject life into Fresno's offense.
Abbott, who also finished with seven points and four rebounds, played a crucial role in setting up his teammates and contributing on defense.
However, the Sunbird's momentum was often interrupted by turnovers, which the Warriors capitalized on for 21 points throughout the night.
Stanislaus State maintained a comfortable lead thanks to their consistency in transition, where they added another 10 points in the second half.
Their bench continued to outperform the 'Birds, with reserves scoring 33 points overall compared to 17.
The Sunbird's bench played a supportive role, with Gabriel Quiette, Liam Switzer, and Hugo Gonzalez-Garcia contributing in spurts, but it wasn't enough to offset Stanislaus State's depth and energy.
In the final minutes, the 'Birds fought to close the gap with aggressive drives to the basket and a strong push on the boards.
Santos led the effort with eight points, four rebounds, and two steals.
Pennisi remained steady in the paint, finishing with 13 points, six rebounds, and two assists.
Fresno Pacific outscored Stanislaus State in the second half, 38-39, but the Warriors managed to hold on to their lead by making crucial free throws and controlling the tempo in the closing minutes.
The 'Bird will look to regroup and head back out on the floor tomorrow against host Cal State East Bay at 7:30pm.
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