FRESNO, Calif.- A late rally by the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds came up short as they fell to the Chico State Wildcats in their first game of the CCAA/PacWest Crossover as thye fell 63-66.

The game opened with intense back-and-forth action as both teams aimed to establish dominance.

The 'Birds were effective in the paint, notching ten points inside.

Jayla Green led the early effort for the Sunbirds with strong play near the basket, taking advantage of the Wilcats defensive gaps.

The Sunbirds defense, meanwhile, forced six turnovers in the first period.

Chico State countered with efficiency on quick breaks, adding two fast-break points and converting two three-point attempts. 

Both teams were evenly matched in rebounding, and despite the 'Birds shooting woes, they managed to end the period tied at 16-16, largely due to second-chance points created by offensive rebounds.

The Wildcats gained a slight advantage in the second period as the 'Birds offense struggled to find consistency. 

Chico State capitalized on the Sunbirds mistakes, scoring five points off turnovers and outscoring Fresno in the paint, where they added another four points.

Meanwhile, Chico's bench contributed effectively, adding four points to help extend their lead.

Lydia Manu provided an instant boast, scoring on a drive and converting 3 of her 4 free throws, keeping the Sunbirds close despite their shooting struggles.

By halftime, the Sunbirds found themselves down by four points, trailing Chico State 31-27.

Out of the half, the Sunbirds came out with renewed intensity, particularly from beyond the arc, as they found more success shooting threes.

Jasmine Heu, scored two crucial three-pointers to help shift the momentum back toward the 'Birds.

Fresno Pacific's shooting improved overall, as they went 7-for-18 from the field in this period, including 3-for-6 from three-point range.

The Wildcats, however, continued to match the 'Birds intensity, scoring in transition and using their size advantage in the paint.

Both teams traded baskets throughout the period, resulting in multiple lead changes and ties, but Chico ended the third quarter narrowly ahead, despite the 'Birds 21-point surge in the period.

The final period saw the Sunbirds make a determined push to overcome the deficit.

The 'Birds relied on their bench, which scored a total of 26 points for the game, to provide fresh legs and defensive pressure.

The Sunbirds continued to fight, with Green and Heu each stepping up to make key baskets.

Angela Whitfield contributed defensively, even adding a block to Fresno's defensive tally, as the team tried to rally in the closing minutes.

Chico State, however, showed composure, especially at the free-throw line, where they capitalized on fouls.

This efficiency from the charity stripe proved crucial, allowing the Wildcats to maintain a slim lead even as the Sunbirds made several late scoring runs.

The Sunbirds closed the gap to within a few points in the final minutes, but a critical late turnover, combined with Chico's disciplined scoring, sealed the victory for Chico State.

Fresno outscored Chico 17-14 in the fourth, but the Sunbirds ultimately fell just short, with the final score at 66-63 in the Wildcat's favor. 

Fresno Pacific will be back at the Special Events Center tomorrow to take on the Sonoma State Sea Wolves at 2:15pm.

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