FRESNO, Calif. - Five players scored in double figures as Fresno Pacific opened PacWest play with a 79-57 victory over visiting Holy Names on Thursday night at the FPU Events Center. Gabe Solarin headed up a well-balanced Sunbird attack with a team-high 15 points, 12 of which came in the opening half to pace FPU.

The Sunbirds improve to 5-2 overall and 1-0 in PacWest play with the win, while HNU falls to 2-6 overall and 0-1 in league play.

"I was proud of how the guys played tonight," said head coach Shane Rinner. "It's always nice to earn the first win of the conference season. This group shares the basketball well, and they did a great job of that tonight."

The Sunbirds and Hawks exchanged baskets early before FPU used a 17-2 run in the first half to create some distance in the contest. Coming out of the opening media timeout, the Sunbirds received a layup from Bobby Barnes and a three from Solarin to ignite the run. FPU took a 40-30 advantage into the intermission.

FPU continued the strong play into the second period and outscored the Hawks 39-27 to earn the win.

Barnes contributed 14 points and a game-high nine rebounds, Roger Paul finished with 13 points and Trevon Clayton and Madison Higgins added 10 points apiece. Clayton finished with a game-high seven assists, seven rebounds and four blocks in a well-rounded effort. Jeff Amazan also totaled eight points, five rebounds and six assists and Higgins dished out six assists for the Sunbirds.

Jamarae Moss had 14 points to lead the Hawks. HNU entered the night averaging 71.4 points per contest.

FPU shot 54% from the field and 47% from long-range in the victory while dominating HNU on the boards 37-23. The Sunbirds forced 16 turnovers, totaled 23 team assists on the offensive end and led by as many as 27 points.

The Sunbirds host #17 Azusa Pacific on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 5 p.m. at the FPU Events Center. Fans that bring a toy of at least five-dollar value can get into the game for free as part of FPU's Toys For Tots Christmas toy drive.