Box Score

FAIRBANKS, Alaska - Fresno Pacific erased a 10-point second half deficit to knock off Emporia State 72-70 to open up the GCI Alaska Invitational in Fairbanks.

The Sunbirds (4-2) trailed by eight at halftime and were down 49-39 with 15 minutes left before turning it on down the stretch to hand a talented Hornets team their first loss of the season (4-1).

"Tonight was a big win for our guys," said head coach Chris Wright. "Emporia is a very good basketball team. I didn't think we came out ready to play in the first half but in the second we played with a lot more passion and fire. We need to continue to build on tonight and prepare for two more tough games."

Jackson Carbajal scored 22 points to lead the way while Malcolm Griffin was three assists short of a triple-double, with 19 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists. Phil Jackson added 10 points in the win as FPU shot over 55% in the second half.

With FPU leading by just one point at 71-70, Carbajal was fouled with only 15 seconds to play. After making one of two free throws, the Hornets pushed it up court but FPU's defensive pressure prohibited them from getting off a shot as time expired.

FPU shot 45.3 percent (29-64) for the game while ESU shot 41.4 percent (24-58) from the floor. The Sunbirds held a 38-34 rebounding advantage, including 12-9 on the offensive glass.

ESU was paced by Kaleb Wright who led all players with a game-high 27 points. The Hornets had come in winners of four straight, including an 81-76 win over NCAA Division I Missouri-Kansas City.

The Sunbirds continue the tournament tomorrow, taking on University of Mary (ND). The game can be watched live for free HERE.