FRESNO, Calif. — In a tense conference matchup, the Fresno Pacific women's basketball team snuffed out a fourth quarter surge by Hawaii-Hilo, sealing a final score of 53-52 with two seconds to spare at the Special Events Center. The Sunbirds maintained a solid lead until the final quarter, where the Vulcans fought tooth and nail to close the gap. Fresno Pacific's bench contributed 20 points, and the team grabbed 16 offensive rebounds to maintain possession in critical moments.

"Our word leading into today's game was grit. We knew that if we were going to find a way to win, it would require a great deal of it. Being shorthanded and on a quick turnaround presented real challenges, but our group responded," said head coach Tim Beauregard. "Our connectivity and defensive lock-in were incredibly encouraging tonight. We are a young team, and they continue to show they are bought into the growth required on that end of the floor. Defense has been our primary focus this past week, and it was great to see a much higher level of effort and commitment reflected in the game."

FPU began the opening quarter with a strong defensive stance, holding Hawaii Hilo to eight points while capitalizing on turnovers. Mason Long's three-pointer at 5:30 tied the score at six, igniting a momentum shift. Nina Wisniewski contributed significantly with two key layups, solidifying the lead. The Sunbirds closed the quarter ahead, 13-8.

Fresno Pacific seized momentum midway through the second quarter, bolstered by Sienna Evans' defensive rebound and subsequent jumper to extend their lead to 19–11. The team maintained pressure, with Wisniewski converting two free throws at 6:49, which contributed to their scoring advantage. Later, a pivotal three from Aaliyah Seuell at 1:53, assisted by Alexa Perryman, widened the gap despite Hawaii Hilo's attempts to close in with successive three-pointers. The quarter concluded with Fresno Pacific leading 30–23, having outscored Hawaii Hilo 17–15 in the frame.

The Lady 'Birds built momentum early in the third quarter with a big three by Long at 7:28, extending their lead to 33–25. A quick layup by Perryman followed, further increasing their advantage. Remni White added to the run with a fast-break layup, pushing the score to 37–25 before Hawaii Hilo called a timeout. Despite a brief scoring response from the Vulcans, Fresno Pacific maintained control, highlighted by Kira Wilmurt's offensive rebound and layup at 1:28, keeping a solid lead. The quarter concluded with Fresno Pacific ahead 43–33, maintaining their ten-point cushion going into the final quarter.

The fourth got dicey for FPU as the visitors cut down the lead thanks to six field goals including a trio from beyond the arc, while the Sunbirds would miss 13 of 14 attempts before Wilmurt's three with 98 seconds remaining. Holding on to a five-point lead following a pair of free throws by Perryman, the 'Birds sent Hilo to the line for three free throws with twelve ticks remaining. The Vulcans would sink all three to shrink FPU's lead to two. The Sunbirds missed a pair at the line on the other end, and Hilo regained possession. They buried a three-pointer with four seconds remaining to give Hilo their first lead since midway through the opening quarter. With memories of their last-second defeat to Biola still fresh on their minds, Wilmurt executed a perfect inbound to a backdoor-cutting Ashley Aughterson who made an uncontested layup with three seconds left to give the 'Birds the lead back once again at 53-52.  The Vulcans gave it one final heave at the buzzer, but it clanked off the iron to give the 'Birds back-to-back home victories in three days.

"While we didn't need to put ourselves in the situation we faced late, it will serve as a valuable growth opportunity as we continue to build experience through live game reps—especially for our freshmen. Even though we could have closed it out more comfortably, executing the game plan in the final possessions was rewarding. It's always fun to draw something up late, trust it, and see everyone execute it perfectly."

Grace Brown recorded 10 rebounds and added two steals, showcasing her presence on both ends of the court. Long contributed with eight points and collected nine rebounds, providing solid support. Perryman made a notable impact by posting four assists and adding two steals. Wilmurt scored seven points and secured three rebounds, rounding out the team's performance. The Sunbirds secured the win with a strong defensive effort, holding Hawaii Hilo to just 19 points in the second half.

Fresno Pacific is now 5-6 on the season and 2-4 in PacWest competition.

NEXT UP: The 'Birds take on Westmont on Saturday, January 10 at 2 pm. Come down to the Special Events Center to cheer on your Sunbirds!

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