Box Score

Belmont, Calif. - John Taylor scored over 40 points for the second time this season, breaking the FPU single-season scoring record in the process, and Malcolm Griffin recorded his second triple-double in the last three games as the Sunbirds recovered from a slow start to run away with a 103-86 PacWest road victory over Notre Dame de Namur.

Taylor came into the night needing 38 points to break James Lewis' single-season record of 637 points set in 2008-09. For much of the game it seemed like Taylor would need to wait until Saturday's senior night game at home to break the record, but the PacWest's leading scorer caught fire in the second half, scoring 30 points of his 41 points after halftime. He shot 16-of-29 from the field and added eight rebounds and four assists. Taylor now has a new record 641 points this season.

"He's a tremendous player and the fact that he broke the record doesn't surprise me one bit," said head coach Chris Wright. "He's a special talent that only comes along once or twice in a coach's career. I'm very happy for him and always looking forward to watching what he does next."

"JR Lewis was a great player for us," said Wright. "When we first signed him we were a middle-of-the-road NAIA program and he helped transform the program into a perennial top-10 power. Now as we move into NCAA Division II, it's similar the way John is taking us to the next level."

Equally as impressive as Taylor's night was Griffin's, who finished with 21 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists to record his second triple-double in the last three games.

"In all my years of coaching I've never had a player get a triple-double and so to have Malcolm get it twice in the span of three games is pretty ridiculous," said Wright. "He's a coach's dream and just such a special talent."

NDNU came out shooting the ball well and would connect on seven of their first eight three-point shots to take a 30-15 lead 10 minutes into the game. It would be all Sunbirds from there however as FPU closed the half on a 28-14 run and proceeded to run the Argos out of the gym in the second half with 60 points.

Senior guard Zach Kaul, playing increased minutes with the team missing starting point guard Matt Samuels due to injury, gave the team a big boost with a season-high 16 points off the bench including three long-range three-pointers. Antonio Credit added a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds.

"He hasn't had the kind of season he's wanted to have and so it was really great to see him come out and hit shots and build his confidence up," said Wright of Kaul. "He's a guy that could really end up being huge for us down the stretch."

FPU improves to 18-7, 13-4 in PacWest play. NDNU falls to 5-20, 4-13 in the PacWest.

The Sunbirds host California Baptist this Saturday at 4:30 pm in the final regular season home game. It will be senior night for Credit, Kaul, Samuels and Rickey Vick. FPU has also clinched a NCCAA home playoff game next week on either March 5 or 6. The Sunbirds won't know their opponent until after this Saturday's games.