FRESNO, Calif.- The most defensive game of the season tilted against the team that has made its stinginess its calling card, as the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds (20-8, 14-6 PacWest) dropped the regular season finale 59-35 to the Azusa Pacific Cougars (26-3 overall, 20-0 PacWest) Saturday in the Special Events Center.

While the Sunbirds celebrated their three super seniors after the game, both defenses showcased why they are the top two in the PacWest.

Things were even until midway through the second when Azusa stretched its lead to 14 points before halftime.

That continued into the second half as APU outscored FPU 8-0 in the third period.

The teams combined to go just 3-31 from the field in the third quarter but Azusa had its largest lead at 22 points.

The Sunbirds uncorked the offense behind a Jasmine Heu three-pointer in the fourth quarter but APU had its advantage intact.

For the first time this season, FPU was kept without a double-digit scorer, although Maesyn Rix snagged 12 boards in her final home game.

Felicia Dourva moved into sole possession of 10^th place all-time in FPU history with assist number 297.

While a win would have been a boon to FPU's West Region playoff chances, the Sunbirds will head to the PacWest Tournament next week in San Diego with the #2 seed and a first round bye.

They will await the results of Thursdays games before playing a semifinal matchup Friday at 5:00pm at PLNU's Golden Gymnasium.

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