SANTA BARBARA, Calif.- This time, a strong second half could not erase a halftime deficit as the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds (7-20 overall, 5-14 PacWest) fell 81-77 to the Westmont Warriors (11-16 overall, 7-12 PacWest) Wednesday night at Murchison Gymnasium.

In a rematch of a four-overtime thriller in Fresno from January, FPU was the road team this team and slipped behind in the early going as Westmont connected on five first half three-pointers.

The 'Birds stayed within striking distance as Aamos Laavainen led the way in the paint with 8 points.

Fresno Pacific trailed by eight at the end of the half in one of its faster paced halves of the season.

Wesmont grew its advantage to 15 points, five minutes into the second half, the largest lead of the game.

The Sunbirds turned it on from there, behind Isaac Peralta, who had 11 of his 17 points in the final 20 minutes.

FPU would get as close as five but couldn't overcome the hosts in their final road game of the season.

Peralta was joined in double-figures by Gabriel Quiette who had 12 points and Harrison Pennisi who added 10 points.

Fresno Pacific closes out the season against Azusa Pacific on Senior Day, 4:30 pm on Saturday, inside the Special Events Center.

FPU will honor its two grad students, Avery Lewis and Jonah Geron.

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