Box Score

Fresno Pacific gave #18 Concordia a battle to the very end, but the Eagles would triumph in front of a large home crowd on their homecoming night 72-65.

The Sunbirds turned in a very strong all-around effort against what many believe to be the most talented team in the GSAC, and led 61-59 with 6:20 to play before a turnover, a fastbreak dunk and a three-pointer by CUI's Cameron Gliddon shifted the momentum.

FPU was still within one possession trailing 68-65 with 33 seconds left but couldn't get a good shot off. It was the third straight game the Sunbirds had a chance to tie in the final minute.

Sunbird head coach Chris Wright was proud of the team's effort in a hostile road environment against the reigning GSAC champs.

"If we play anybody else, anywhere else, I think we win tonight, considering how hard we played," said Wright. "It was a good effort and I think we're starting to figure some things out. Our goal from here on out is to get better each and every day. If we do that I think the results are going to come."

FPU had its way in the paint, outscoring the Eagles 38-28 including 22-10 in the first half. A big reason was Antonio Credit, who finished with 10 points, 13 rebounds and six blocks in one of his most complete games of the year.

Donte Nicholas scored 20 points to lead the Sunbirds despite foul trouble. Kenny Bradford added 17 points while Eric Hipolito had eight points and eight rebounds. Jake Hager gave the Sunbirds a boost off the bench on both ends of the floor and would finish with seven points.

FPU would out-shoot the Eagles 48 percent to 37 percent, though Concordia would make up some of the difference with eight three-pointers to FPU's two.

Despite a solid defensive effort by the Sunbirds, the Eagles would turn the ball over just six times on the night compared to 16 FPU turnovers. Gliddon led Concordia with 19 points, hitting five three-pointers. Tommy Granado added 14 with nine rebounds and Austin Simon scored 10 points.

Concordia improved to 17-4, 7-3 in GSAC play, moving into a four-way tie for the conference lead alongside Westmont, Azusa Pacific and The Master's.

FPU fell to 12-9, 3-7 in GSAC play and will host #10 The Master's on Tuesday night at 7:30 pm. The Sunbirds will look to avenge a 73-54 loss to the Mustangs in Santa Clarita on January 3.

Around the GSAC
Biola 86, Vanguard (H) 84 (OT)
#10 The Master's (H) 60, San Diego Christian 47
Point Loma Nazarene 82, #12 Westmont (H) 68
#16 Azusa Pacific 61, Hope International (H) 51