SAN DIEGO – Fresno Pacific narrowly fell to Western Oregon, 69-68, Saturday at the final game of the PacWest/GNAC Conference Challenge at Golden Gymnasium. The Sunbirds (1-1) and Wolves (1-1) exchanged leads throughout the game before WOU took advantage of the final three minutes to earn the win.

"We battled hard, and I'm very proud of our effort," said head coach Shane Rinner. "We led for a majority of the game and had some great looks down the stretch that did not fall. Rebounding was really the story tonight. We weren't as big as they were, and they really took advantage of that. We showed a lot of character and I am excited to see this team continue to grow."

Jeff Amazan nailed a three to give FPU a 63-61 lead with 3:30 remaining, but the Wolves responded with a 6-0 run to take control of the game 67-63. Two free-throws from Roger Paul pulled the Sunbirds within two, 67-65, with 15 seconds remaining. The Wolves answered, however, and put the game away with a pair of free-throws before Paul nailed a three at the buzzer to make the final 69-68.

The Sunbirds had four players in double-figures in the loss, led by Madison Higgins (5-for-7 3FG) and Amazan (4-for-7 3FG) with 15 apiece. Paul and Bobby Barnes chipped in with 11 apiece for FPU. Trevon Clayton put together a full stat line in the defeat with nine rebounds, seven points and five assists.

FPU was held to .371 shooting from the floor and was out-rebounded 54-31 by the Wolves.

WOU was led by 18 points apiece from Andy Avgi and Devon Alexander.

The Sunbirds travel to UC Merced on Tuesday, Nov. 18 for their next matchup. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.