SAN RAFAEL, Calif.- A second half surge came up short for the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds as they fell 57-48 to the Dominican University of California Penguins at the Conlan Center.
The game began with both teams feeling each other out, resulting in a low-scoring quarter dominated by defense. Fresno Pacific struggled offensively, shooting just 20% (3-of-15) from the field. Jasmine Heu provided an early bucket for the Sunbirds, but turnovers and missed opportunities prevented them from finding a rhythm. Dominican, on the other hand, relied on their interior presence, grabbing offensive rebounds and converting second-chance points.
The Penguins capitalized on their rebounding advantage, scoring eight points in the paint and limiting the Sunbirds to one shot per possession. Fresno Pacific forced six turnovers with their defensive pressure, highlighted by steals from Jayla Green and Anisa Rillo, but they couldn't convert these opportunities into points. At the end of the quarter, the Penguins led 15-8, with their control of the glass setting the tone.
Dominican widened their lead in the second quarter, outscoring Fresno Pacific 20-11. The Penguins improved their offensive efficiency, shooting 50% (7-of-14) from the field and dominating the paint. Dominican was particularly effective, scoring on drives and converting four free throws during the quarter, showcasing their ability to draw contact and finish at the line.
Fresno Pacific struggled to counter Dominican's momentum, shooting just 4-of-18 (22.2%) from the field. Lydia Manu hit a crucial three-pointer to briefly cut into the lead, but the Penguins' defense prevented the Sunbirds from building on it. Dominican also controlled second-chance opportunities, pulling down offensive boards that led to easy baskets.
Turnovers continued to plague both teams, but Dominican capitalized on Fresno Pacific's mistakes more effectively. At halftime, Dominican held a commanding 35-19 lead, fueled by their rebounding dominance (27-15) and efficient scoring inside.
Fresno Pacific came out of the locker room with renewed energy and defensive focus. The Sunbirds outscored Dominican 16-12 in the third quarter, showing glimpses of the team's potential on both ends of the floor. Green knocked down a timely three-pointer to ignite the offense, while Heu added a fast-break layup after a steal, cutting the deficit to single digits midway through the quarter.
Bench contributions were pivotal, as Kira Wilmurt and Aaliyah Seuell brought hustle and intensity. Wilmurt's presence in the paint disrupted Dominican's offense, while Seuell added a key jumper to keep the momentum alive. Defensively, the Sunbirds held Dominican to just 28.6% shooting (4-of-14) in the quarter, forcing the Penguins into difficult looks.
Despite their improved play, Fresno Pacific struggled to fully capitalize on their opportunities, missing several open shots that could have further closed the gap.The Penguins ended the quarter with a 47-35 lead, despite the Sunbirds strong third quarter.
The final quarter saw Fresno Pacific ramp up the pressure in an effort to complete the comeback. Bre Hurt was instrumental, scoring inside and drawing fouls, while Rillo converted key free throws to bring the Sunbirds within eight points with five minutes remaining. Fresno Pacific's defense forced five turnovers in the quarter, creating fast-break opportunities that momentarily shifted momentum.
Dominican, however, responded with poise. The Penguins remained steady at the free-throw line, going 2-of-2 late in the quarter to extend their lead and added a crucial layup in transition after a Sunbirds turnover, effectively sealing the game in their favor.
Fresno Pacific's shooting woes continued to hinder their comeback efforts, as they finished the game shooting just 29.6% from the field (16-of-54) and 22.2% from beyond the arc (4-of-18). Dominican's rebounding dominance persisted throughout, stymieing Fresno Pacific's second-half push.
In the final minutes, the Sunbirds ran out of steam, and Dominican executed enough on both ends to secure the 57-48 victory.
Up next, the Sunbirds will host the Vanguard Lions at the Special Events Center Saturday at 2pm with the men's game to follow at 4:30pm.
Both games will be simulcasted on ESPN 790 AM and the PacWest Network.
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