HONOLULU, Hawai'i- The Fresno Pacific Sunbirds ended their three-game Hawaiian trip on a high note with a 72-65 win over the Chamindae Silverswords at McCabe Gymnasium Monday night. 

From the opening tip, Chaminade established themselves as the aggressors, knocking down early shots and forcing Fresno Pacific into defensive mismatches. The Sunbirds got on the board first with a jumper from Isaac Peralta, but the Silverswords answered quickly with a three-pointer, setting the tone for what would be a dominant shooting half for Chaminade. 

Chaminade utilized its ball movement effectively, creating open looks on the perimeter. The Silverswords connected on eight three-pointers in the first half, spreading the floor and making it difficult for the 'Birds to close out defensively. By the midway point of the first half, Chaminade had built an eight-point lead, thanks in part to their ability to capitalize on second-chance opportunities.

Despite the Sunbirds' struggles from deep, they found success inside the paint, with Liam Switzer and Peralta attacking the basket. However, turnovers plagued Fresno Pacific, as they committed six first-half turnovers, leading to 11 fast-break points for Chaminade. Every time the Sunbirds seemed poised to make a run, the Silverswords responded with a timely three-pointer or forced a mistake.

With under a minute remaining in the half, Chaminade stretched their lead to double digits after a three-pointer. The Sunbirds ended the half on a positive note, as Ryan Abbott drilled a three at the buzzer to cut the deficit to 43-35 heading into the locker room.

Determined to turn the game around, Fresno Pacific came out of the halftime break with a renewed defensive intensity. The Sunbirds tightened their perimeter defense, making life difficult for Chaminade's shooters. Jonah Geron opened the half with a much-needed three-pointer, and a steal by Peralta led to a a foul and a pair of free-throws in transition, quickly shifting the momentum in favor of the visitors.

As the half progressed, the Sunbirds' dominance on the glass became a key factor. They out-rebounded Chaminade 25-14 in the second half, limiting the Silverswords' second-chance opportunities and controlling possession. Seth Brown provided a spark off the bench, knocking down a deep two and grabbing key rebounds to keep the 'Birds within striking distance. 

Midway through the second half, Brown took over, drilling a pair of three-pointers, the second giving the 'Birds their first lead. With that lead, the Sunbirds never looked back.

Chaminade, who had relied on their outside shooting in the first half, struggled to adjust to Fresno Pacific's more aggressive defensive approach. The Silverswords shot just 8-of-34 from the field in the second half and only 4-of-20 from three-point range, as their offensive efficiency collapsed under the Sunbirds' pressure.

In the final five minutes, Fresno Pacific's ball movement and poise sealed the victory. Peralta orchestrated the offense brilliantly, finding Harrision Pennisi for a layup and put an explination point on for the 'Birds with a powerful dunk. Despite a late desperation three from Chaminade, Fresno Pacific calmly closed the game out at the line, securing the 72-65 victory. 

UP NEXT

The Sunbirds will head home for a match-up on Friday against the Menlo Oaks at 7:30pm following the women's game at 5:30pm. Both games will be simulcasted on ESPN 790 AM and the PacWest Network. 

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