Box Score
Video Highlights
Photo Gallery

In its first game as an unranked team, Fresno Pacific showed it isn't planning on staying that way.

The Sunbirds, coming off two GSAC losses, came up with a statement win on Tuesday night, dominating #7 Azusa Pacific from start to finish in a 74-54 home win. FPU jumped out to a 13-0 lead and by halftime would lead 42-18.

Eric Hipolito led the Sunbirds with 17 points while Donte Nicholas added 16 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Kenny Bradford had a phenomenal night at the point guard spot, scoring 14 points and making sure the team had quality possessions. Zach Kaul added 11 points off the bench as the Sunbirds used just seven players in the win.

APU was limited to 32 percent shooting and did not have a single player score in double figures. Justin Haynes and Kevin Stafford each had nine points for the Cougars, who made just six shots in the first half.

"It was a great defensive performance by our guys," said head coach Chris Wright. "Last week was obviously a really difficult week for our team but this was a great opportunity to get back on track."

"We were playing a little short-handed [without George DeLeon] so we were looking to slow it down and grind it out. Our guys really defended for 40 minutes. We challenged our guys all week and they really came up big tonight."

Hipolito, who had yet to hit a three-pointer on the season, came out shooting for the Sunbirds, draining treys on each of the team's first two possessions. He would connect on two more open looks in the first half and with Nicholas and Bradford picking apart the Cougar defense to find open teammates the Sunbirds would build up a 26-point lead.

A 12-0 run by APU in the second half would cut the lead to 13 with 9:27 to play, but a key bucket by Jake Hager from Hipolito would help stop the run and swing the momentum back in FPU's favor. The Cougars pressured the Sunbirds throughout the second half, but Bradford, Kaul and Nicholas did a nice job of controlling the ball and working it around to give the team open looks.

The Sunbirds improved to 11-5, 2-3 in GSAC play with the win and dropped the Cougars to 13-3 (3-2 in GSAC) while snapping a 7-game APU winning streak. FPU now turns its attention to San Diego Christian who, though in last place with an 0-5 conference record, is always very tough when playing at home. The Sunbirds travel to El Cajon to face the Hawks this Saturday at 4:00 pm.


Around the GSAC
Westmont 60, #20 Biola (H) 56
Vanguard 73, San Diego Christian (H) 61
Point Loma Nazarene 52, Hope International (H) 46
#4 Concordia (H) 91, #16 The Master's 80