OCEANSIDE, Calif. – Fresno Pacific fell to Cal State San Marcos 73-67 in its final exhibition of the preseason Saturday night on the road. FPU had four players in double figures and held a lead with seven minutes remaining before CSUSM used a 7-0 run to take control of the game.
 
The contest counted as an exhibition for the Sunbirds (0-0) and a regular season game for the Cougars (1-0). CSUSM is ranked third in the NAIA and is coached by former FPU head coach Jim Saia.
 
Bobby Barnes led the Sunbirds with 15 points on 6-of-7 shooting from the floor and two blocks. Madison Higgins chipped in with 13 points and three assists, while Jeff Amazan finished with 12 points and seven rebounds. Trevon Clayton recorded a double-double for the second consecutive night with 13 points and 14 rebounds.
 
FPU opened the game sluggish but closed the first half on an 8-4 run to cut the deficit to 35-31 at the intermission. The Sunbirds climbed all the way back in the second half and grabbed a 58-55 lead on a Barnes jumper with 8:51 remaining.
 
After the Cougars responded to tie it with 7:12 remaining, CSUSM used its run to take control of the game and earn the win. FPU had a chance to tie the game with 30 seconds remaining, but an offensive foul called on Roger Paul sealed the win for the Cougars.
 
FPU outrebounded CSUSM 45-29 on the night and finished .415 from the floor as a team. A difference in the game proved to be the turnover battle, won by the Cougars 22-11.
 
FPU will open the regular season in San Diego on Nov. 14 for the PacWest/GNAC Challenge against St. Martin's at 5:30 p.m.