FRESNO, Calif.—Hawai`i Hilo shooting and the cold weather outside the gym had similarities during a 74-46 loss to Fresno Pacific on Saturday afternoon at the Special Events Center.

The Vulcans shot just 13 percent in the first half, digging themselves too big a hole to climb out of on a 48-degree day in Fresno. UH Hilo, who was just one-game behind the Sunbirds in the conference standings, fell to 4-7 in the Pacific West Conference and to 5-10 overall. Fresno Pacific moved to 6-5 in the PacWest and to 9-8 on the year.

Earlier this month, the Vulcans defeated the Sunbirds in Hilo, 63-51.

UH Hilo converted just four of 26 shots in the first half (13%) and dug a 42-16 hole. At the other end of the court, FPU's Cassie Pisik missed only one shot in the first half (8-of-9) for 18 points. Pisik, a 5-foot-11 forward, finished with those 18 points and six rebounds.

Allie Navarette led the Vulcans with 14 points and eight rebounds. Kim Schmelz added 12 points, hitting all eight of her free throw attempts. Makayla Tablit had eight points and four rebounds.

After UHH took a 5-4 lead in the first quarter on a Navarette basket, the Vulcans went stone cold and the Sunbirds answered with a 17-0 run. At the end of the quarter, FPU led 21-6 and Pisik had 13 points.

In the first half, Pisik hit her first eight shots as her team built a 26-point lead (42-16).

The Vulcans warmed up a bit in the third quarter. They more than doubled their first half output, outscoring their hosts 20-17 in the period, but still trailed 59-36.

In the fourth, the Vulcans went cool again leading to the final 28-point deficit.

For the game, the Vulcans shot 22 percent and the Sunbirds nailed 54 percent of their shots. FPU also had a 43-31 rebound advantage.

UH Hilo now returns home for a four-game homestand, beginning with a Thursday (Jan. 23) match-up with Concordia at the Civic Auditorium. Start time is 5:30 p.m.