SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco women's basketball team dropped a close contest to Fresno Pacific 67-64 in its first home game at Main Gym in 629 days. The Gators got off to a hot start before the Sunbirds picked up some second half momentum to close out the game with the lead.
- The Gators fall to 1-2 on the season. The Sunbirds improve to 2-1
- Ashley Hart had a game high 17 points to go with five rebounds, four steals and two blocks.
- The Gators went 11-for-24 at the line.
- SF State only had 14 turnovers while Fresno Pacific had 26.
- Breanna Hurt led FPU with 15 points.
After the Gators opened the game with a 12-3 lead, Fresno Pacific outscored the Gators 7-1 to claim a lead in the first quarter with 2:51 left. A three-pointed banked by Taimane Lesa-Hardee in the final minute of the quarter gave the Gators a 18-16 lead to end the quarter.
SF State held a small lead through most of the second quarter. FPU's Joleen Corona jumper tied the game 30 all with a little over two minute remaining. Mya Blake landed a jumper in the final five seconds to give the Gators a 34-33 lead going into halftime.
Fresno Pacific opened the second half with a jumped to give them a lead they would hold the rest of the way. The Gators kept it close down the stretch as a three from Les-Hardee brought the Gators within three with 17 to play. SF State was called for a foul on the ensuing play and two made free-throws by FPU iced the game.
"Our girls fought really hard and got to learn what college basketball is really about," said Head Coach Natasha Smith. "Our defensive efforts just came up a little short. Even though we gave it everything we had, we have to focus on the small things and understand it's important if we want to find success."
San Francisco State returns on Saturday, November 20 to play Dominican University. Tip-off is slated for 3 p.m.. The match will be broadcast free on the CCAA Network with live stats available at sfstategators.com. Updates will also be available on Twitter at @sfstate_wbb.
