Box Score
Fresno Pacific was seconds away from a signature early-season win against the NAIA's #3 team, but #3 Mountain State hit a deep three-pointer to send the game to overtime, then won 97-94 on a shot from beyond halfcourt.
In just their third game playing together, the Sunbirds proved they are capable of going toe-to-toe with the nation's best, but two contested three-pointers from around halfcourt proved to be too much to overcome.
“It's the most painful loss I've ever been a part of at any level,” said coach Chris Wright. “I'm proud of our guys; really proud of how they competed today. We've come a long way since the first day of practice. Unfortunately we didn't get the result we wanted.”
The Sunbirds led 79-76 with 3.5 seconds left in regulation. Mountain State would throw the ball past halfcourt and then call timeout with 2.9 seconds to play. They inbounded the ball to Winston Robinson, who sunk a contested three from just inside halfcourt to send it to overtime.
FPU refused to allow Mountain State's momentum to carry into the start of overtime, as two three-pointers by Jordan Wild helped the Sunbirds build up a four-point lead.
The Sunbirds still led by four with less than two minutes to play but missed free throws and offensive opportunities allowed Mountain State to creep back into it. The Cougars would take a 91-90 lead on two free throws by Jamar Board, who finished with a game-high 32 points, and would go up by two on another free throw with 35 seconds to play.
Deshaun Legree made one of two free throws to make the score 92-91, but Board made two of his own on the ensuing possession, putting Mountain State up 94-91 with 10 seconds left. Adam Kado wasted no time racing the ball down the court, cutting to the hoop and then dishing to Matt Christman, who had been quiet all game but gave the Sunbirds new life by draining a three to tie it with five seconds left.
Like a reoccurring nightmare though, the Cougars would inbound the ball to Board who took three dribbles then launched a prayer from beyond halfcourt that found the net and allowed Mountain State to escape with a win.
Wild had a dominant performance for the Sunbirds, scoring 26 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. Legree scored 21 points in 23 minutes and Brandon Rowe added 13 points off the bench. Kado finished with 10 points and eight assists.
Poor free-throw shooting was the team's undoing, as FPU made just 15-of-33 from the line (46%). The Sunbirds were also plagued by foul trouble; Jerante Morgan was limited and ended up fouling out, as did Kenny Bradford.
Despite numerous factors, some beyond their control, leading to the defeat, the team is making no excuses and is focused on another tough game tomorrow.
“If we're on the way to becoming a great team, and I think we are, we've got to put this behind us, learn from it, and go out there tomorrow and play a team that's just as good, but different,” said Wright.
The Sunbirds face #12 Westminster tomorrow at 1 pm, a team that plays a completely different style but is possibly tougher to beat than Mountain State. The Griffins blew out GSAC opponent Vanguard 85-49 tonight.
