FRESNO, Calif.- After falling behind early, the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds were unable to overcome the early deficit as they fell to the Menlo Oaks Friday evening 77-60 at the Special Events Center.

The game got off to a rough start for Fresno Pacific, as Menlo's defensive pressure forced early turnovers and disrupted offensive flow. 

The Oak's ability to convert turnovers into fast-break points helped them control the tempo, while the Sunbirds struggled to find rhythm. The Sunbirds shot just 26.7% (4-of-15) from the field in the first quarter, compared to Menlo's 53.3% (8-of-15). 

A late three-pointer capped off a strong opening quarter for Menlo, giving the Oaks a 23-12 lead heading into the second period.

After a sluggish start, the 'Birds found their footing in the second quarter. Jasmine Heu ignited the comeback with a deep three-pointer off a turnover, sparking a 7-2 run that brought the Special Events Center back to life.

The Sunbirds turned up their defensive intensity, forcing Menlo into six turnovers in the quarter. Angela Whitfield and Heu made key defensive plays, converting steals into transition baskets.

Offensively, Fresno Pacific attacked the basket aggressively, drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line. The Sunbirds hit 8-of-9 free throws in the quarter, chipping away at Menlo's lead.

With less than a minute remaining in the half, Julie Ramirez drove into the lane for a contested layup, cutting the deficit to just two points, 36-34, heading into the locker room.

Whatever momentum the Sunbirds carried into halftime quickly faded in the third quarter as Menlo reasserted themselves.

Turnovers continued to plague the Sunbirds, as they committed five giveaways in the first five minutes of the quarter. Meanwhile, Menlo executed flawlessly in transition, using a 14-4 run to push their lead back into double digits.

The 'Birds struggled to respond, managing just 5-of-14 shooting (35.7%) in the period.

By the time the quarter ended, the Oaks had outscored the 'Birds 24-12, rebuilding their lead to 60-46 heading into the final frame.

Down by 14 points, the Sunbirds needed a near-perfect final quarter to make a comeback. Jasmine Heu gave the Sunbirds a glimmer of hope, hitting an early three-pointer to cut the deficit to 11.

However, Menlo's defense tightened, forcing several contested shots and keeping the Sunbirds off the offensive glass.

Ramirez managed to draw a foul and hit two free throws to bring the Sunbirds within 62-51 with 7:00 remaining, but that was as close as they would get.

Fresno Pacific had no answer for Menlo's well-executed offense, and a dagger three-pointer with two minutes left sealed the win for the Oaks.

Despite their efforts, the Sunbirds fell short, losing 77-60 in a game that showed flashes of promise but ultimately exposed their struggles with turnovers and second-half execution.

UP NEXT 

The Sunbirds will host the Hawai'i Pacific Sharks for their last home game of the season Tuesday at 5:00pm, with the men's game to follow at 7:30pm. Both games will be simulcasted on ESPN 790 AM and the PacWest Network. 

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