SAN DIEGO, Calif.- Despite a highly efficient distrubution of scoring for the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds, they were unable to overcome the Point Loma Sea Lions Thursday afternoon as they fell 60-71.
The game began with Fresno Pacific taking an early lead, sparked by Cooper Sheldon's three-pointer off an assist from Gabriel Quiette. Isaac Peralta followed with a strong drive to the basket, giving the Sunbirds a quick 5-0 start. However, Point Loma responded with a balanced attack and hit back-to-back free throws to close the gap. Point Loma took control of the tempo, leveraging their physicality inside and superior offensive rebounding to generate second-chance points. The Sea Lions were instrumental in controlling the boards, giving the Sea Lions a significant edge in the paint.
Fresno Pacific struggled with turnovers in the first half, committing 11 miscues that allowed Point Loma to convert them into 12 points. The Sunbirds found brief momentum behind Seth Brown's hot shooting from beyond the arc, as he knocked down two clutch three-pointers to keep Fresno Pacific within striking distance. Ryan Abbott added a fast-break jumper to energize the team, while Harrison Pennisi contributed with a strong defensive presence off the bench.
Despite their efforts, the Sunbird's inability to contain Point Loma's transition game and their struggles with defensive rebounding allowed the Sea Lions to maintain control. Point Loma scored 18 fast-break points and dominated with 11 second-chance points in the half. Late in the half, the Sea Lions hit a key layup and a three-pointer to stretch the their lead, as the 'Birds went into the half trailing 41-36.
Fresno Pacific opened the second half with adjustments to their defensive scheme, aiming to limit Point Loma's dominance in the paint. The Sunbirds showed renewed energy, with Peralta leading the charge on offense. Peralta scored multiple driving layups and converted free throws, finishing the game with 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals. Brown remained a consistent scoring threat, hitting another three-pointer early in the half to narrow the gap.
Defensively, Abbott and Brandon Gibson Jr. stepped up for the Sunbirds, securing crucial rebounds to limit the Sea Lion's second-chance opportunities. Liam Switzer made his presence felt with two blocked shots and timely hustle plays that kept Fresno Pacific in contention. The Sunbirds' bench, which contributed 17 points overall, provided key scoring bursts, highlighted by a deep three-pointer from Pennisi midway through the half.
However, Point Loma's consistent execution on both ends of the floor proved to be the difference. The Sea Lions continued to capitalize on the 'Birds' turnovers, forcing 19 in total and converting them into 22 points. Late-game scoring, including clutch three-pointers and free throws, helped Point Loma maintain their lead. Despite Fresno Pacific's efforts to rally, the Sea Lions controlled the tempo in the closing minutes, securing offensive rebounds and drawing fouls to seal the 60-71 victory.
"Some really solid stretches from us a really physical game," remarked head coach C.J. Haydock. "I thought our defensive toughness in the halfcourt was really solid, just too many stretches of poor offense. The standard to win on the road in the PacWest is very very high, and we have to find more consistent discipline offensively in order to meet that standard."
The Sunbirds will have to bounce back quickly as they face the Azusa Pacific Cougars Saturday at approximately 4:30pm, after the women's game at 2:15pm. Both games will be streamed live on the PacWest Network.
SUNBIRD SOCIAL
Twitter - @fpusunbirds
Instagram - @fpusunbirds
Facebook - /FPUsunbirds
#TeamFPU
