SAN RAFAEL, Calif.- A combined 27 points from the bench helped lift the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds over the Dominican University of California Penguins Thursday evening 65-58 at the Conlan Center.
The Fresno Pacific Sunbirds opened the game with energy and efficiency, building an early lead and maintaining control throughout the first half. Their aggressive approach on both ends of the court gave them a 36-27 advantage at halftime.
Isaac Peralta was the offensive engine for the Sunbirds, delivering a remarkable first half. He scored 18 points on an almost flawless 8-of-9 shooting from the field, slicing through Dominican's defense with precise drives and finishing strong at the rim.
The Sunbirds controlled the boards early, with Ryan Abbott and Harrison Pennisi combining for ten rebounds in the first half. Abbott, in particular, was dominant on the defensive glass, grabbing tough boards that denied the Penguins second-chance opportunities.
On the defensive end, Fresno Pacific set the tone with tight perimeter coverage and active hands. They limited Dominican to just 27.3% shooting from three-point range, with the Penguins connecting on only three of their 11 attempts from deep. Fresno Pacific's rotations forced Dominican into contested shots, while their physicality in the paint disrupted the Penguins' interior scoring attempts.
A key moment came late in the half when Liam Switzer came off the bench and provided a burst of energy. His three rebounds and putback layup during a critical stretch helped extend Fresno Pacific's lead to nine points. By halftime, the Sunbirds' efficient shooting (58%) and defensive control had them in a comfortable position.
The second half saw Dominican come out with renewed intensity, determined to close the gap. The Penguins made key defensive adjustments, ramping up their full-court pressure and forcing Fresno Pacific into tough offensive possessions. Despite Dominican's efforts, the Sunbirds maintained their composure and executed in critical moments to secure the victory.
Abbott and Pennisi anchored the paint, combining for two blocks and altering several shots to stifle Dominican's interior scoring. Abbott's physicality on the boards was instrumental, as he grabbed key rebounds in traffic to deny Dominican extra possessions.
Switzer once again played a pivotal role off the bench, contributing six points and nine rebounds in the second half. His highlight came with under two minutes to play, when he threw down a thunderous dunk in transition, electrifying the Sunbirds and effectively sealing the game.
Defensively, the Sunbirds continued to frustrate Dominican, holding them to 33.8% shooting for the game. While the Penguins won the rebounding battle 43-38, their 14 turnovers proved costly, leading to 18 points for Fresno Pacific. Dominican's offensive execution faltered in the closing minutes, as missed shots and key turnovers allowed the Sunbirds to secure the 65-58 victory.
"Nice collective effort from our team tonight, we are thin with injuries and illness, and got thinner with foul trouble tonight," said head coach C.J. Haydock. "I thought it was a really strong defensive performance, and Isaac Peralta just does a little of everything to carry us. Ten guys score for us, which is just indicative our willingness to really share the ball, and something we can keep leaning into."
It will be a quick turnaround for the Sunbirds as they host the Vanguard Lions Saturday at the Special Events Center at 4:30pm, with the women's game prior at 2:00pm. Both games will be simulcasted on ESPN 790 AM and the PacWest Network.
"We will try to get some health and rest as fast as we can before we go again against a talented Vanguard team."
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