FRESNO, Calif.- A fourth quarter comeback by the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds came up short as they fell Thursday night to the Jessup Warriors 66-61 at the Special Events Center.
The Fresno Pacific Sunbirds struggled to find their offensive rhythm in the opening quarter as Jessup came out with high energy, quickly taking control of the game. The Sunbirds managed just ten points in the period, shooting 4-for-14 (28.6%) from the field. Turnovers were a significant issue early, with the Sunbirds committing five giveaways, leading directly to 11 Warrior points in transition.
Angela Whitfield got the Sunbirds on the board with an early three-pointer, but scoring opportunities were limited due to Jessup's aggressive defense. The Sunbirds had difficulty getting clean looks at the basket, often settling for contested jumpers. Meanwhile, Jessup's offense was firing on all cylinders, shooting 9-for-17 (52.9%), including a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc.
By the end of the quarter, the Sunbirds trailed 24-10, needing to make defensive adjustments to contain Jessup's perimeter shooting and fast-break efficiency.
The second quarter saw the 'Birds begin to settle into their offense, with improved ball movement and defensive rotations. Jasmine Heu provided a much-needed spark, hitting two deep three-pointers while also facilitating the offense with two assists. Heu's energy helped the Sunbirds find better scoring opportunities, leading to a more balanced attack.
However, foul trouble became a concern for Fresno, as Jessup repeatedly got to the free-throw line. The Oaks shot 8-for-9 from the stripe in the quarter, with Tatiana Newsome converting 6-for-7 on aggressive drives to the basket. The Sunbird's defensive struggles continued, allowing Jessup to connect on four more three-pointers, extending their lead.
On the defensive end, the Sunbirds forced four turnovers but couldn't fully capitalize, missing three fast-break layups that could have helped close the gap. Despite outscoring Jessup in the paint 12-8, the Sunbirds struggled to convert from long range, finishing the half 4-for-15 (26.7%) from three-point range.
At halftime, Fresno found themselves trailing 46-24, needing a major second-half turnaround to get back into the game.
Coming out of the locker room, Fresno Pacific played with renewed intensity, particularly on defense. The Sunbirds increased their ball pressure and forced 11 Warrior turnovers in the quarter, leading to easy transition buckets. Whitfield was a major factor in this surge, recording three steals while also attacking the rim aggressively.
Offensively, Fresno put up 18 points in the period, their highest-scoring quarter of the game. Lydia Manu and Kira Wilmurt two key three-pointers to spark a run, while Breanna Hurt added two baskets in the post. Despite their improvements, the Sunbirds continued to struggle with efficiency, shooting 7-for-18 (38.9%).
Jessup's offense cooled down considerably, making just 2-of-11 field goals in the third quarter. However, their ability to draw fouls kept them in control, as they made 6-of-8 free throws to keep the 'Birds from cutting too deep into the lead.
By the end of the quarter, the Sunbirds had narrowed the deficit to 52-42, outscoring Jessup 18-6 in the period.
With momentum on their side, the 'Birds came out aggressive in the fourth quarter, looking to complete the comeback. The Sunbirds continued their defensive intensity, forcing more turnovers and capitalizing in transition. Heu and Whitfield each connected on three-pointers electrifying the crowd, fueling a 9-2 run that brought Fresno Pacific within six points with four minutes remaining.
The Warriors responded with clutch free-throw shooting, maintaining their composure under pressure. Two Warriors combined for 8-of-10 free throws in the final three minutes, keeping the Sunbirds at bay. Fresno Pacific's defensive energy kept the game close, as they held Jessup to just one made field goal in the final five minutes.
Despite their best efforts, missed opportunities at the free-throw line and costly turnovers in the final minute prevented them from completing the comeback.
Jessup held on for a 66-61 victory, despite being outscored 19-14 in the fourth quarter.
The Sunbirds will have a week to regroup as they head to the islands for a three game challenge against Hawaii Hilo, Hawaii Pacific, and Chaminade. Fresno Pacific will kick off the trip in Hilo as they take on the Vulcans next Thursday at 7:30pm with the men's game to follow at 10:30pm. Both games will be streamed on the PacWest Network.
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