SANTA BARBARA, Calif.- Turnovers and rebounding proved the detirment of the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds Wednesday afternoon as they fell 70-63 to the Westmont Warriors in Hugh R. Murchison Gymnasium. 

"It was a great battle tonight by both teams, I was happy with our overall togetherness and ability to answer their runs with our own," remarked head coach Tim Beauregard about the contest. 

The Fresno Pacific Sunbirds opened the game with a three-pointer from Jasmine Heu, assisted by Bre Hurt, establishing an early rhythm from beyond the arc. This was quickly followed by another long-range basket from Heu, giving the Sunbirds an early advantage. However, Westmont responded with a combination of fast-break points and solid inside play. The Sunbirds' aggressive offensive strategy paid off as Hurt proved a strong presence in the paint, converting close-range opportunities. Off the bench, Lydia Manu added to the 'Birds perimeter threat with her timely assists and defensive pressure. Despite their offensive success, turnovers plagued the Sunbirds, and the Warriors capitalized on these mistakes, scoring key points off fast breaks. By the end of the quarter, the Sunbirds trailed 23-18, hindered by a rebounding deficit and transition challenges. 

The Sunbirds started the second quarter focused on improving their defense, which paid off as they limited Westmont to just 13 points in the period. The Sunbirds' offense relied heavily on free-throw shooting, with Julie Ramirez converting all eight of her attempts, keeping the 'Birds within striking distance. Hurt continued to dominate inside, scoring crucial layups and drawing fouls while Manu added a three-pointer. However, Westmont's offensive rebounding posed a significant challenge,  securing second-chance points. Despite this, Fresno Pacific's bench players stepped up, helping reduce the deficit. As the quarter ended, Fresno Pacific had outscored Westmont 16-13, narrowing the deficit to two at 36-34. 

The third quarter was a battle of runs, with both teams exchanging baskets and defensive stops. Fresno Pacific came out of halftime determined, tying the game early with a strong inside play by Hurt, with a block on a layup attempt. Heu and Manu continued to lead the Sunbirds offensively, combining for several fast-break opportunities and mid-range jumpers. The 'Birds' bench also provided much-needed energy, contributing both scoring and rebounds. Despite these efforts, turnovers remained an issue for the Sunbirds, as the Warriors capitalized with key steals and layups. The teams traded leads multiple times during the quarter, with neither able to build a significant advantage. By the end of the quarter, Westmont clung to a narrow 51-48 lead.

Entering the final quarter, the Sunbirds faced a tough challenge as Westmont's defense intensified, forcing them into several turnovers. Despite this, Hurt continued to fight in the post, adding a crucial layup and free throw early in the quarter. Fresno Pacific's defense forced a few critical stops, including steals by Heu and Manu, but the team struggled to convert on the offensive end. Westmont's inside presence proved too difficult to contain, as the Warriors consistently scored in the paint and secured rebounds. Late in the game, Ramirez hit consecutive free throws to keep the Sunbirds within striking distance, but Westmont's clock management and efficient shooting in the final minutes sealed the victory. Despite Fresno Pacific's spirited effort, they fell 70-63, with turnovers and rebounding deficiencies proving costly.

"Ultimately, their size and physicality at the basket proved costly, they consistently rebounded the ball on the offensive end and were very efficient scoring one on one around the rim," remarked Beauregard. "I am proud of our fight but excited for a chance to get back on a win streak Saturday. There is no flinch in our locker room, we'll stay tight, and chase a better version of our team these next two days and lean in to the work we must continue to do to be successful in our league." 

The Sunbirds will head back home for a Saturday afternoon matchup with the Concordia University Irvine Golden Eagles at 2pm with the men's game to follow at 4:30pm. The game will be simulcasted on ESPN 790 AM and the PacWest Network with Scott Bemis, on the call. 

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