AZUSA, Calif.- Despite a second quarter surge, the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds dropped another PacWest conference game, 85-53, against Azusa Pacific on Saturday afternoon inside the Felix Event Center.

The Sunbirds started the game with a promising defensive effort, highlighted by a block from Jasmine Heu on Azusa Pacific's opening possession. Fresno Pacific's offense, however, struggled to find rhythm, committing eight turnovers in the quarter. Jayla Green provided an early spark with a three-pointer assisted by Julie Ramirez, bringing the Sunbirds within two points, 5-3, midway through the period. The Cougars capitalized on the 'Birds turnovers and missed opportunities, going on a 7-2 run fueled by a three-pointer and fast-break layups. Despite solid defensive rebounding from Breanna Hurt and Green, the Sunbirds trailed 16-9 at the end of the quarter.

The Sunbirds found their offensive rhythm in the second quarter, outscoring the Cougars 22-24. Olivia Garcia came off the bench and nailed two three-pointers in quick succession, bringing Fresno Pacific back into the game. Ramirez contributed ten points in the quarter, including a driving layup and clutch free throws to keep the Sunbirds within striking distance. The 'Birds defense forced critical turnovers, including a steal by Lydia Manu, which led to a fast-break layup. However, Azusa Pacific maintained their lead with consistent scoring. Fresno Pacific's late push cut the deficit to 40-31 at halftime.

Azusa Pacific came out strong after halftime, extending their lead with a dominant 25-point quarter. The Sunbirds struggled to contain Amayah Kirkman, who scored 22 points overall, including two critical three-pointers in the third. The Sunbirds offense faltered, shooting just 25% from the field. While Kate Evans and Heu worked hard in the paint, converting layups to stem the tide, turnovers continued to plague the Sunbirds. Azusa Pacific capitalized on second-chance opportunities, building a 65-43 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

The Sunbirds fought valiantly in the final frame, with Garcia hitting another three-pointer and Ramirez scoring on a mid-range jumper. Fresno Pacific's defense improved, as Heu recorded her third block of the game and Hurt grabbed multiple defensive rebounds. Despite their effort, Azusa Pacific's consistent scoring and depth, including bench contributions, proved too much to overcome.The Sunbirds managed to hold the Cougars to 20 points in the fourth but fell short, falling 85-53. 

The Sunbirds will head home for a midweek matchup against the Dominican University Penguins Wednesday 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. 

SUNBIRD SOCIAL 

Twitter - @fpusunbirds 
Instagram - @fpusunbirds 
Facebook - /FPUsunbirds