FRESNO, Calif.- It was a true team win for the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds Saturday afternoon as they defeated the Concordia University Irvine Golden Eagles 78-62 as ten different 'Birds contributed points.
The Sunbirds came out with energy, establishing an early rhythm offensively and defensively. Jayla Green opened the scoring for the Sunbirds with a strong finish inside, setting the tone for their paint dominance. The 'Birds tallied 20 points in the quarter, significantly outpacing the Golden Eagles' 13.
The Sunbirds effectively exploited CUI's defensive gaps, with Green and Jasmine Heu connecting on key plays. Heu also nailed an early three-pointer off a crisp assist, showcasing the 'Birds' ball movement. On the defensive side, Anisa Rillo and Breanna Hurt were pivotal in grabbing rebounds and forcing contested shots, limiting CUI to one-and-done possessions.
Bench contributions added depth, as Olivia Garcia hit a clutch three-pointer and Angela Whitfield provided defensive energy, securing rebounds and pushing the pace in transition. By the end of the first quarter, Fresno led 20-13, with significant points coming from second-chance opportunities and inside scoring, 14 points in the paint.
Fresno Pacific maintained their edge in the second quarter, adding 19 points while holding CUI to 16. Julie Ramirez and Green led the offense with a combination of efficient shooting and strong drives to the basket. Green remained a force in the paint, converting on back-to-back plays midway through the quarter to extend Fresno Pacific's lead.
The Sunbirds demonstrated excellent ball movement, with Jasmine Heu dishing out several assists, including a highlight play that set up Lydia Manu for a three-pointer. The 'Birds bench added critical support, as Garcia hit another timely three, and Kira Wilmut provided key defensive stops.
Defensively, the Sunbirds' strategy focused on disrupting the Golden Eagle's perimeter shooting, forcing them into tougher shots inside. Rillo was particularly impactful on the boards, pulling down rebounds that denied second-chance opportunities for CUI. Despite a few turnovers late in the quarter, Fresno Pacific held a comfortable 39-29 lead heading into halftime, thanks to a three-pointer by Whitfield just before the buzzer.
CUI pushed back in the third quarter, showing urgency to close the gap, but Fresno Pacific's poise kept them ahead. Fresno scored 20 points while CUI managed 16, as the Sunbirds continued to execute their game plan effectively.
Green shone brightest in the third, scoring on a mix of layups and mid-range jumpers, finishing with a game-high 20 points. Fresno Pacific's inside presence remained a key advantage, with Hurt contributing both defensively and offensively, including drawing fouls to convert free throws.
Defensively, the Sunbirds capitalized on turnovers, with Manu picking off an errant Golden Eagle pass and taking it coast-to-coast for a layup. Fresno Pacific also tightened their grip on defensive rebounds, limiting CUI to just three offensive rebounds in the quarter. The 'Birds bench continued to play a critical role, with Garcia hitting another three and Whitfield adding fast-break points to keep the momentum.
The Sunbirds showed no signs of letting up in the final quarter. Fresno's defense stepped up, forcing six turnovers and converting them into quick transition points. Fresno Pacific added 19 points in the fourth, matching their earlier consistency.
Julie Ramirez played a key role in closing out the game, scoring on multiple drives and hitting a clutch jumper to extend the lead. Despite CUI's attempts to pressure the Sunbirds with a full-court press, Fresno's composure under pressure allowed them to break the press and create open opportunities.
In the final minutes, the Sunbirds relied on ball control and high-percentage shots to seal the victory. Heu capped off her strong performance with a late assist to Green, who finished at the rim.
The game ended 78-62, with Fresno Pacific improving to 7-5 on the season and 3-2 in PacWest play. Their balanced attack, bench contributions, and defensive discipline proved decisive in securing the win.
"I am really proud of my team's commitment to stay locked in the last few days and not start their break early mentally, I thought they took a very professional approach and completely locked in to the task at hand," reflected Tim Beauregard.
"We had multiple people who contributed tonight and when we have multiple contributions, our team will always be at our best. It is a great way to go into Christmas break as a win will enhance a great holiday break."
The Sunbirds will be back in the new year with a road trip to San Diego for a matchup with the Point Loma Sea Lions, Thursday January 2nd with the women tipping off at 2pm with the men following at 4pm.
"We will be excited to get back together after the break and continue chasing the best version of our team," concluded Beauregard.
SUNBIRD SOCIAL
Twitter - @fpusunbirds
Instagram - @fpusunbirds
Facebook - /FPUsunbirds
#TeamFPU
