FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno Pacific fell to UC Merced 71-51 in a Saturday afternoon contest at the Special Events Center.  The loss drops the Sunbirds to 3-5 on the season, and the game also marks the end of their non-conference slate before PacWest play begins later this week.

The first half of the game saw a competitive start with both teams exchanging early turnovers and missed shots. Harrison Pennisi put the Sunbirds on the board first with a layup, but the Bobcats quickly responded with a layup from Jaron Mertle. Fresno Pacific briefly led 7-2 following a 3-pointer by Seth Brown, but Merced managed to regain control with a series of successful plays, including a fast-break layup by Blake Hudson, which helped them take an 8-7 lead. The Sunbirds led 9-8 after Ryan Abbott's layup, but then the visiting Bobcats would go on a 10-2 run to lead 19-11.  Isaac Peralta and Hugo Gonzalez-Garcia would knock some shots down but Merced would continue to respond and maintain their lead throughout the half.  Despite the Sunbirds' efforts to stay close, including four quick points from Brandon Gibson Jr and a late 3-pointer by Brown, the Bobcats closed the half leading 36-29.  The Sunbirds capitalized on turnovers with eight points off turnovers and added 16 points in the paint but struggled with ball control, committing seven turnovers. The Bobcats' bench outperformed with 24 points, contributing to their early lead, while they also dominated the boards with 17 total rebounds compared to the Sunbirds' 11.  The Bobcats, despite poorer shooting percentages than the 'Birds, were able to outperform in the first half due thanks to a high number of attempts taken.

In the second half, the Sunbirds struggled offensively, shooting 28% from the field with seven successful shots on 25 attempts.  The Bobcats capitalized on a series of plays, including a 3-pointer by Aidan Sevilla at 18:30, extending their lead to 39-31.  FPU struggled with shooting accuracy, missing several attempts, while Merced took advantage with a strong offensive showing, shooting 50% from the field.  The Sunbirds had many long stretches of scoring droughts where Merced was able to add to their lead, which would reach as high as 21 toward the end of the second half.  The Bobcats would outscore FPU 35-22 in the second half, ending the game with a score of 71-51 in favor of the visitors.  The Sunbirds managed three successful 3-pointers out of 14 attempts and converted five of eight free throws.  Despite forcing seven turnovers on the Bobcats, the Sunbirds' defense allowed 16 points in the paint.  The home team secured nine rebounds, with two offensive boards, yet had five turnovers themselves, limiting their scoring opportunities.

The Sunbirds were paced by Brown and Peralta, who added 15 and 11, respectively.  The Bobcats dominated the 'Birds on the boards, 40-20, which limited FPU's production in the category.  Peralta and Pennisi would lead the team with five apiece.  

PacWest play begins Thursday with a men's and women's doubleheader against Westmont at the Special Events Center.  The women tip off at 5pm PT, followed by the men at 7:30pm PT.  Both games will be simulcasted live on ESPN Radio 790 AM and the PacWest Network with the new voice of Sunbirds basketball, KSEE24 and CBS47 Sports Director Scott Bemis, providing play-by-play commentary.  


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