FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno Pacific Sunbirds put together a dominant first-half performance and withstood a strong second-half push from Menlo to secure a 78-70 victory at the Special Events Center Friday evening.
The Sunbirds came out firing, lighting up the scoreboard with a 49-point first half, fueled by an efficient offensive attack and stellar bench contributions. However, Menlo responded after halftime, tightening their defense and gradually cutting into the deficit, but Fresno Pacific's composure in the final minutes proved enough to seal the win.
The first half was all about the Sunbirds' offensive execution. Isaac Peralta led the charge, scoring 10 of his 20 points in the opening minutes, attacking the paint relentlessly. The Sunbirds shot an impressive 63.6% from the field (21-of-33), dominating inside with 34 points in the paint while controlling the boards and limiting turnovers. Their aggressive play allowed them to build a double-digit lead early, as the second unit, led by Harrison Pennisi and Seth Brown, provided a crucial spark. Despite Menlo's efforts to stay in the game with five three-pointers, the 'Birds continued to push the tempo. The Sunbirds closed the half with a strong sequence, including a deep Jonah Geron three-pointer, a trio of layups, and two free throws, extending their lead to 49-35 at halftime.
After the break, the Oaks responded with increased defensive pressure, forcing turnovers and disrupting the Sunbirds' offensive rhythm. Menlo used a 9-2 run early in the period to trim the deficit to single digits. Fresno Pacific, which had been so disciplined in the first half, suddenly struggled under the Oaks' aggressive approach, committing eight second-half turnovers. As Menlo continued to claw back, Brown and Gabriel Quiette hit key shots to stop the Oaks surge, and the 'Birds made the most of their trips to the free-throw line, converting 10-of-12 in the second half to maintain their advantage.
Despite being outscored 35-29 in the second half, the Sunbirds' first-half dominance proved too much to overcome for Menlo. While the Oaks stayed within striking distance, their struggles at the free-throw line, 5-of-10, and inability to convert inside, 24 paint points compared to Fresno Pacific's 44, ultimately prevented them from completing the comeback.
UP NEXT
The Fresno Pacific Sunbirds will have their final home game of the season Tuesday as they celebrate Tough Like Tristen Night against the Hawai'i Pacific Sharks at 7:30pm following the women's game at 5:00pm. Both games will be simulcasted on ESPN 790 AM and the PacWest Network.
SUNBIRD SOCIAL
Twitter - @fpusunbirds
Instagram - @fpusunbirds
Facebook - /FPUsunbirds
#TeamFPU
