HONOLULU – Fresno Pacific put together one of its strongest defensive efforts of the season, but Hawaii Pacific nailed a pair of free throws with three seconds remaining to down FPU 57-56 Saturday in Hawaii. Madison Higgins delivered 16 points and seven rebounds for FPU in the loss to lead all scorers.

FPU falls to 5-9 overall and 1-6 in the PacWest, while HPU improves to 10-4 overall and 5-3 in conference play.

"I'm very disappointed for our group," said head coach Shane Rinner. "The men played extremely hard and executed the game plan. We were tremendous defensively and made it very tough on HPU all night. We talk often about how the game of basketball parallels life with its challenges. This team has seen its fair share of adversity and it makes me proud how they are sticking together and remaining positive."

The game featured six lead changes in the final five minutes. Trevon Clayton gave FPU a three-point lead with 3:54 remaining with a layup before the Sharks used a 5-0 run to take a two point advantage with under three minutes to go. After each team exchanged baskets, Higgins drained a three with eight seconds remaining. HPU answered after Darry Jones Jr. drew a pair of free throws with three seconds left on the clock. FPU managed a shot at the buzzer, but Clayton's fadeaway three was off the mark.

HPU, which led by as many as 10, held an advantage at halftime 30-27.

FPU limited the Sharks to 42 percent shooting and scored 12 points off turnovers. The 57 points allowed marked the lowest total since Dec. 4, which marked FPU's last victory. The Sunbirds were out-rebounded 35-26 and out-scored 14-7 in bench points, however.

Bobby Barnes contributed 12 points and six rebounds for FPU, while Clayton was the final player in double figures with 10.

The Sharks were led by Luke Hager, who totaled 13 points and 14 rebounds. Justin Long added 14 points.

FPU will get another shot at the Sharks next weekend, facing HPU on Saturday, January 17, in Fresno. The game has been designated as an "Orange Out" night and will feature the Mutts 'n Motion dog show at halftime of the women's game and a celebration ceremony to honor the 2014 national champion baseball team during halftime of the men's game.