FRESNO, Calif. — After a brilliant resurgence in the second half, Fresno Pacific women's basketball fell to Concordia University Irvine 80-67 at the Special Events Center. The Sunbirds outscored Concordia 28-15 in the fourth quarter, but could not overcome the initial halftime deficit.
The game opened with a fast-paced exchange, but CUI quickly established a lead with a 3-pointer to set the pace for the quarter. The Sunbirds responded with a jumper from
Ashley Aughterson at 8:26, assisted by
Kira Wilmurt, but struggled to maintain momentum.
Sienna Evans contributed a brief rally with a 3-pointer and a layup, narrowing the gap to 18–7. However, despite another late layup by Aughterson at 1:40, Concordia maintained control, leading 20–12 at the end of the first quarter.
The Sunbirds struggled to find momentum in the second quarter, facing a strong defensive effort from the Golden Eagles. Despite a layup from
Nina Wisniewski at 6:35 and a jumper by
Angela Whitfield at 6:06, the team's shooting challenges persisted. Concordia was quick to capitalize on these opportunities, extending their lead to 46–16.
Fresno Pacific made a strong push in the third quarter, with Evans hitting a key three-pointer at 8:27. This was part of a concentrated effort that saw the team score 12 points in the paint and capitalize on nine second-chance points. Wisniewski contributed defensively with multiple steals, helping to maintain pressure on the visitor's offense. A late three-pointer from Concordia widened the gap, but the Lady 'Birds outscored their opponent 23-19 in the quarter, which concluded with the Sunbirds trailing 39-65.
The 'Birds mounted a resilient effort in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Golden Eagles 28-15. The home team found success from beyond the arc, with Whitfield and Wisniewski each contributing a 3-pointer.
Aaliyah Seuell added another from long range at a crucial moment with 1:12 remaining. The step-back three-pointer sent a CUI defender running past as she sunk it. Despite the deficit, Fresno Pacific capitalized on free-throw opportunities, converting 10 of 12 attempts to narrow the gap.
Evans provided a steady presence in the paint, adding scoring and rebounding. The Sunbirds' defense forced several turnovers, including a late steal by Wisniewski that led to a
Grace Brown layup. However, the comeback fell short, and the game concluded with Concordia winning 80-67.
Evans scored 22 points and recorded eight rebounds, making three 3-pointers. Wisniewski contributed 13 points and tallied four steals while converting all six of her free throws. Whitfield added 12 points and collected seven rebounds.
Mason Long was defensively active, recording three steals.
NEXT UP: The 'Birds face off against Jessup on Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 5:00 pm to conclude the home stretch. Come down to the Special Events Center to cheer on your Sunbirds!
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