Box Score

Winona Lake, Ind. - #1-seed Fresno Pacific saw its national title hopes dashed on Thursday, falling 104-95 to #5 Shorter (GA) in the NCCAA Tournament semifinal.

"This was the best team we've played all year," said head coach Chris Wright. "You can't let a team like that jump out to a 16-point lead that early in the game."

The Hawks (20-11) used their tremendous athleticism to jump out to a 28-12 lead early in the first half and would build a 54-39 halftime lead.

"We weren't doing anything right in the first half and I challenged our guys to come out and get consecutive stops and let that help cure our problems offensively," said Wright. "We ended up defending pretty well in the second half."

The Sunbirds (21-8) came out determined in the second half, going on a 11-0 run to start the half and cut the lead to 54-50. That would be as close as FPU would get however.

"I'm deeply saddened for my seniors. I know this loss hurts," said Wright. "But I'm definitely proud of the way they competed and really battled in the second half."

With John Taylor battling foul trouble and a physical Hawks defense, Malcolm Griffin did all he could to put the Sunbirds on his back and keep FPU in the game. Griffin finished with a game-high 29 points and 10 rebounds. Taylor added 27 points and Matt Samuels finished with 16.

"Obviously the night after you score 50 points there's going to be quite an emphasis on slowing you down," said Wright of Taylor, who found himself knocked to the floor numerous times throughout the night. "I thought he played well though. He had a couple and-ones taken away, but kept his composure. Malcolm was really aggressive as well and that helped us stay in it down the stretch."

The Sunbirds were hurt by 18 turnovers and only shot 21 free throws compared to Shorter's 43. FPU sank 17-of-21 from the line (81 percent).

All five starters scored in double figures for the Hawks, led by forward Anthony Banks with 28. The Hawks advance to Saturday's national title game. Shorter, like FPU, is transitioning to NCAA Division II and ineligible for NCAA postseason. The Hawks were the #1 team in the NAIA last season and reached the NAIA Final Four.

FPU will play in a consolation game for third place in the tournament, facing the loser of #2 Cedarville and #3 Oklahoma Christian at 10 am tomorrow (7 am PST).

"We want to finish out the season strong," said Wright. "It's been a tremendous first year in NCAA Division II for us and we want our last game to reflect that. We want our seniors to go out as winners so we'll be giving everything we've got on Saturday."

Highlights to come.....