ROCKLIN, Calif. - The Fresno Pacific women's basketball team outscored Jessup in the second and fourth quarters of the conference matchup, but narrowly fell 57-63 by the end of the game. Despite a 24-point contribution from their bench, the Sunbirds were unable to overcome Jessup's advantage in points off turnovers.
The first quarter began with the Sunbirds finding momentum through the paint, contributing to a 9-point effort. Freshman
Sienna Evans led a push with key layups, narrowing the gap to 10–9 at the 6:22 mark after a fast-break layup assisted by
Mason Long. Despite a brilliant push by the 'Birds, the Warriors managed to take the lead, 13-22.
FPU narrowed the gap with a strong second quarter, highlighted by a 3-pointer from
Nina Wisniewski at 2:24, assisted by Evans. The team capitalized on bench contributions, scoring eight points from non-starters. Despite a few turnovers, the Sunbirds defended effectively, holding Jessup to only nine points in the quarter.
A key moment came when Evans drained a three-pointer at 7:44, assisted by
Ashley Aughterson, bringing the 'Birds to within one point at 31–30. However, Jessup responded with a series of scores, extending their lead to 43–35 midway through the quarter. Despite a three-pointer from Long at 4:38 and another at 1:31, the Sunbirds trailed by 10 points at the end of the quarter, with the score of 41-51.
The Blue and Orange initiated a strong push in the fourth quarter, with
Kira Wilmurt contributing a layup early at 9:22 to cut into Jessup's lead. Evans narrowed the gap further with a fast-break three-pointer at 3:10, bringing the Sunbirds within four points. Despite their efforts, including six successful free throws, the 'Birds could not overcome the deficit, and Jessup maintained their advantage. Jessup's free throw accuracy in the final minute sealed the outcome, resulting in a 63–57 victory for Jessup.
Evans led with 18 points, including three 3-pointers, and grabbed four rebounds. The Fresno native currently sits ninth in the PacWest in scoring and sixth in 3-pointers per game (1.9). Long added nine points and contributed seven rebounds while making three shots from beyond the arc.
Grace Brown recorded six rebounds and scored two points. Wilmurt finished with seven points and collected three rebounds.
The Sunbirds hold a 7-13 overall record and are 4-11 in PacWest competition.
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