Box Score

Fresno Pacific improved to 5-4 on the season with an 87-54 non-conference win over Bethesda on Wednesday night.

John Taylor led the Sunbirds with 21 points and six assists, while Malcolm Griffin added 11 points, eight assists and five rebounds. Rickey Vick had 13 points and Antonio Credit finished with 11 points and nine rebounds in the win.

After a lopsided loss to California Baptist last night, the Sunbirds made it a point to work on spreading the ball around, and it resulted in a season-high 25 assists. Taylor was flawless at the point guard spot, handling the ball all night without a turnover.

FPU was much better on the defensive end as well, holding the Flames to 38 percent shooting on the night and forcing 18 turnovers.

"Our team did a good job of moving the ball," said head coach Chris Wright. "We still have a long ways to go. We need to continue to work on being unselfish, getting tougher and really being committed to what we're trying to do."

The Sunbirds never trailed in the game and would close out the first half on a 13-6 run to lead 43-33 at the break. FPU quickly extended the lead to 20 early in the second half and wouldn't look back, running away with the 33-point win.

The Sunbirds were efficient on offense throughout the night, finishing at 57 percent from the field and 44 percent on 11-of-25 three-pointers. FPU got a boost from its bench as well, whihc outscored Bethesda's 22-0 in the victory.

Ralph Monday led the Flames (1-10) with 22 points.

The Sunbirds return to conference play on Saturday as they host defending PacWest champion Dixie State at 4:30 pm.

"We're going to have to do a great job with our transition defense," said Wright. "They do a great job in transition and are a very well-coached team."

The Sunbirds will be hosting Toys For Tots Night, where fans can get in free for bringing an unopened toy.