Box Score

Concordia stormed back from a 23-point second half deficit to cut the Fresno Pacific lead to two in the closing minutes, but the Sunbirds would hang on for an 84-79 win despite seeing four starters foul out. Kayla Clement would sink three clutch free throws in the closing seconds to preserve a win that showcased the determination and heart of a young Fresno Pacific team that is improving by the day.

With the win the Sunbirds improved to 7-4 and 2-0 in GSAC. The team is just one win shy of equaling last season's win total for the year and has already surpassed last season's conference win total.

Saturday's game featured 52 foul calls between the two teams and by the end FPU was down to just five players on its active roster. Callie Rohrbacker, who came up big with a team-high 16 points off the bench, played the final minutes with four fouls. Had she fouled out, the team would have had to continue with only four players.

"I'm proud of our team," said coach Erin Scholz afterward. "It's tough to pull out the win when the other team gains full momentum and confidence to take the game back. We had just enough to hang on for the win tonight. The lead we built in the first half was huge for us, but we have to be smarter and more disciplined defensively."

The Sunbirds appeared on their way to a blowout win, playing exceptionally well for the first 30 minutes and leading 65-42 with just over 10 minutes to play after back-to-back three-pointers from Rohrbacker and Clement. The next three and half minutes would be a complete nightmare however.

It began with point guard Jenay Herring picking up her fourth foul with 9:35 to play and the Sunbirds up by 22. The Eagles proceeded to up the pressure on defense and it resulted in seven FPU turnovers in that three minute span. The Eagles would go on a 21-5 run in those three and a half minutes alone, bringing the score to 70-63 with 6:30 remaining.

Herring re-entered and hit two free-throws to stall the run. Concordia would bring the game even closer two minutes later though, getting within 72-68. Herring then took the ball coast to coast and fired up the crowd by finishing a layup in traffic. What appeared to be a potential three-point play however, inexplicably resulted in an offensive foul on Herring, fouling her out of the game.

Though the team was stunned by the momentum shift, Sienna Gonzales hit possibly the biggest shot of the night on the next possession as her defender fell down and she drained a three-pointer to put FPU up 75-68 with 3:35 to play.

The Eagles refused to let up though and relentlessly attacked the basket. Guards Asia Auberry and Elisha Taylor took turns driving the ball to the hoop throughout the last 10 minutes, drawing contact and getting to the line. They shot 27 free-throws between the two (FPU shot 28 as a team).

A three-point play by Concordia's Amanda Fielder with 1:14 left brought the Eagles as close as they'd been since early in the first half, making the score 81-79. Brandi Blackwell fouled out on the play, joining Herring, Keri Stephanoff and Breana Buczek on the bench with five fouls. Stephanie Larson, recovering from an injury, would enter for the game's final minute.

The Eagles would have a chance to take the lead on their next possession, but a three-pointer bounced off the rim. FPU was called for a foul on the rebound, but the Eagles missed both free throws keep the Sunbird lead at two. With Concordia forced to foul, Clement made one of two free throws with 17 seconds left, putting FPU up by three.

Concordia got the ball back with a chance to tie, but took an ill-advised three-pointer that would be well off its mark. Clement got the rebound and was fouled with three seconds left, sinking both free throws to finally clinch the game.

The Eagles went to the line 44 times in the game, as 30 fouls were called on FPU, making 75 percent. Throughout the game the Eagles preferred to drive the ball or take the first open look. They finished with five assists to 22 turnovers. Auberry led CUI with 28 points, making 14-of-15 from the line. Taylor added 18 points and Fielder had 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Rohrbacker hit four three-pointers to lead the Sunbirds with 16 points. Clement added 13 points, four assists and four steals. Gonzales and Blackwell each had 11 points, with Blackwell grabbing a team-high eight rebounds. Stephanoff finished with 10 points. Buczek led the team with five assists.

The Sunbirds begin a final set of non-conference games next week as they host Cal Maritime on Wednesday at 5:30 pm.

Around the GSAC
Azusa Pacific (H) 89, Hope International 73*
Vanguard 65, Biola (H) 39*
San Diego Christian (H) 67, The Masters 62*
Westmont 71, Point Loma Nazarene (H) 47*