HILO, Hawai'i – Hawai'i Hilo Women's Basketball once again clawed its way back into the ballgame, but it wouldn't be enough as the Vulcans fell to Fresno Pacific, 63-51, Thursday evening in Pacific West Conference play at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.

FPU managed to lead by as much as 14 points with just over three minutes left in the third quarter, but an 8-0 run by the Vulcans to close the period followed by an early fourth-quarter 3-pointer helped cut the deficit to just three points. The Sunbirds responded with back-to-back 3-pointers as part of nine total long-range shots made, but Hawai'i Hilo remained within striking distance at just a five-point differential with 3:24 to go.

However, the Vulcans went 0 of 5 from the field the rest of the way as FPU shot 6 of 7 at the free throw line to close out the game. Overall, the Sunbirds were 16 of 21 at the charity stripe (.762) while Hawai'i Hilo sank a season-high 20 free throws (.833).

Caiyle Kaupu (18 points and nine rebounds) and Noelle Su'a-Godinet (nine points and seven boards) just nearly missed out on double-doubles.

Despite Fresno Pacific finishing 30.2 percent from the field (19-63 FG), the Vulcans posted just a .280 field-goal percentage (14-50 FG) while going 3 of 16 from beyond the arc (.188).

Hawai'i Hilo moved to 2-11 in PacWest play (4-15 overall) as Fresno Pacific moved to a 7-8 conference record (11-11 overall).

OTHER NOTES

• Keirstyn Agonias totaled four points to move past Hina Kimitete ('09-'10) to No. 7 all-time in the Vulcans record books with 655 career points.
• The Vulcans remained at No. 13 in the PacWest standings. Azusa Pacific stands at the top with a 13-2 conference record as Fresno Pacific is slotted in at a tie for No. 7.

UP NEXT: Monday, Feb. 10 (5:30 PM) vs Jessup (Hilo, Hawai'i / Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium)

DE LUZ CHEVROLET HALFTIME CONTEST GIVEAWAY: De Luz Chevrolet is giving four Vulcans fans a chance to win a new 2024 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss courtesy De Luz Chevrolet. During halftime of both the Hawai'i Hilo Women's Basketball and Men's Basketball season finales on March 1 at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium, four selected participants will have the opportunity to shoot their way to a brand new truck. SIgn-ups are only available in person at each of the next Vulcans Basketball home doubleheaders (Feb. 1, 6, 10 and 13). Each person is allowed one entry per game date. Selected participants will be notified between Feb. 17-26 and must be available to attend on March 1. More details, rules and information available at HiloAthletics.com/truck.