ATHERTON, Calif.- A late surge and a double-double from Jayla Green fell short Saturday afternoon for the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds as they fell 74-69 to the Menlo Oaks for their third straight PacWest Conference loss.

The Fresno Pacific Sunbirds opened the game with defensive intensity but struggled offensively, scoring just 11 points in the quarter. Jayla Green provided an early spark, scoring on two layups and collecting three rebounds in the paint to anchor the Sunbirds' inside presence. However, turnovers became an issue as Fresno Pacific committed five miscues, allowing Menlo to capitalize with fast-break opportunities. Despite some solid defensive stops by the 'Birds, the Oak's physicality and ability to convert second-chance opportunities gave them a 16-11 lead at the end of the quarter.

The Sunbirds came alive in the second quarter, fueled by improved ball movement and perimeter shooting. The 'Birds found their rhythm from beyond the arc, hitting three three-pointers from Angela Whitfield, Joleen Corona, and Aaliyah Seuell to ignite the 'Birds' offense. Jasmine Heu played a pivotal role as the floor general, dishing out three assists while also recording two steals that led to fast-break points.

Menlo countered with a steady scoring effort, as they went 5-for-6 from the free-throw line and added a mid-range jumper. The Oaks also maintained their dominance on the boards, pulling down offensive rebounds to create additional scoring chances. Despite Menlo's efforts, Fresno outscored the Oaks 22-20 in the quarter. A buzzer-beater three from Seuell trimmed the deficit to just three points as the Sunbirds entered halftime trailing 36-33.

The third quarter was a challenging stretch for the Sunbirds, who struggled to maintain the offensive momentum they built in the second quarter. Fresno Pacific managed only 13 points, hindered by seven turnovers that disrupted their flow. The Sunbirds relied heavily on Green, who continued to battle inside for tough baskets, but Menlo's defense tightened, forcing contested shots and limiting Fresno Pacific's second-chance opportunities.

The Oaks capitalized on the 'Birds' miscues, dominating the boards and converting putbacks for easy points. By the end of the quarter, Menlo extended their lead to 55-46, putting pressure on the Sunbirds to mount a comeback.

The Sunbirds entered the final quarter with urgency, determined to overcome the deficit. Green led the charge with a commanding performance, finishing with a game-high 16 points and 13 rebounds, including three offensive boards that led to critical second-chance points. Seuell added another three-pointer, bringing her total to three for the game, and Fresno Pacific began to chip away at Menlo's lead.

Defensively, the Sunbirds ramped up their intensity, with Heu recording two more steals and Green blocking a crucial shot that prevented a Menlo score. The 'Birds' efforts brought them within three points with under a minute remaining, thanks to a fast-break layup by Olivia Garcia.

However, Menlo's composure in the final moments proved decisive, converting a key layup and hitting two clutch free throws to seal the game. The Oaks added another pair of free throws in the closing seconds. Despite the Sunbirds 23-point effort in the fourth quarter, Menlo held on for a 74-69 victory.

Fresno Pacific will look to regroup as they head home for a midweek matchup with the Chaminade Silverswords on Wednesday at 5pm with the men's game to follow at 7:30pm. Both games will be simulcasted on ESPN 790 AM and the PacWest Network. 

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