FRESNO, Calif.- After a strong second half by the Academy of Art Urban Knights, the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds were unable to recover as they fell 66-48 at the Special Events Center Monday afternoon. 

The opening half was a tightly contested affair, with both Fresno Pacific and Academy of Art trading leads in a low-scoring but competitive 20 minutes. The Sunbirds displayed energy on defense and were effective on the boards, which helped them stay in the game despite offensive inconsistencies.

Ryan Abbott and Harrison Pennisi were pivotal in keeping Fresno Pacific competitive early. Abbott drove to the basket with authority, creating opportunities in the paint, while Pennisi established himself as a force on the glass, pulling down defensive rebounds to limit Academy of Art's second-chance points. Jonah Geron also contributed with a key three-pointer, helping the Sunbirds keep pace.

The Urban Knights, matched Fresno Pacific's intensity hitting a pair of mid-range jumpers and converting on a transition layup following a Sunbirds turnover. The 'Birds defense managed to contain the Urban Knights from beyond the arc, holding them to just 2-of-9 shooting from deep in the half.

Turnovers were a concern for the Sunbirds, as they committed nine in the first half. These miscues gave Academy of Art additional possessions, though the Urban Knights were unable to fully capitalize, managing only eight points off turnovers. Fresno Pacific's rebounding edge, particularly on the defensive end, allowed them to keep the score tied at 26 heading into halftime.

The second half saw Academy of Art impose their will on the game, outscoring Fresno Pacific 40-22. The Urban Knights adjusted their defensive approach, applying more pressure on the perimeter and forcing the Sunbirds into hurried decisions. This defensive intensity led to an additional ten turnovers by Fresno Pacific, which the Urban Knights turned into eight easy points in transition.

Offensively, Academy of Art found their rhythm, scoring efficiently from multiple spots on the floor, including two three-pointers that extended the Urban Knights' lead early in the half. Their ability to get out in transition created mismatches, and Fresno Pacific's defense struggled to recover.

The Sunbirds, meanwhile, could not regain their offensive flow. Their three-point shooting woes continued, as they hit just 1-of-9 attempts from beyond the arc in the second half. Geron attempted to spark a comeback with a deep three-pointer midway through the half, but it was not enough to close the widening gap. Isaac Peralta contributed by attacking the basket and earning trips to the free-throw line, but the Sunbirds' lack of consistency on offense prevented them from keeping pace.

Fresno Pacific's rebounding remained a bright spot, as they finished the game with a 34-29 edge on the boards. Pennisi and Geron combined for 12 rebounds, providing second-chance opportunities that the Sunbirds, unfortunately, failed to convert into points.

Defensively, Fresno Pacific struggled to contain Academy of Art's outside shooting in the second half. The Urban Knights shot 5-of-12 from beyond the arc, capitalizing on defensive lapses and rotations that left shooters open. This sharp shooting, combined with the Sunbirds' turnovers, allowed Academy of Art to pull away for a convincing 66-48 victory.

Up next, the Sunbirds will head north for a rematch with the Dominican University Penguins Thursday at 7:30pm prior to the women's game at 5pm. Both games will be streamed on the PacWest Network. 

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