Box score
Fresno, Cailf. – The Sunbird men's basketball team hosted Biola University to open GSAC play earlier this evening in the FPU Special Events Center. Fresno Pacific put together a superb defensive effort that stifled the Eagles offensive production and helped the Sunbirds go on to convincingly defeat BU 66-42.
FPU head coach Jim Saia utilized his bench to continuously keep fresh legs on the court which put the Eagles under constant high pressure throughout the entire game. Saia's game plan worked out to perfection as the Sunbirds were able to force 14 turnovers including 7 steals in the game. Fresno Pacific's high energy strategy took its toll on the Eagles, allowing FPU to take a 31-22 halftime lead and eventually run away with the game in the second half to beat Biola by 24.
Sunbird junior guard James Lewis had another strong performance to lead FPU's offense by scoring 24 points, going 8-15 from the field and draining six 3 pointers.
Senior guard Marcus West and junior forward Todd Brown also contributed to the Sunbirds offensive effort. West scored 13 points and grabbed 6 rebounds, while Brown scored 8 points and had 4 assists on the night.
“As a coaching staff, we feel that it was our best defensive effort of the year so far,” complimented FPU assistant coach Chris Wright.” If we can defend like that the rest of the year, we have a chance of winning a lot of basketball games.”
With the win, the Sunbirds improve to 5-3 overall (1-0 GSAC) and will be back in action Saturday, December 6th as they travel to San Diego to face Point Loma Nazarene. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:30PM.
