The Official Athletics Site of the Fresno Pacific University Sunbirds

FRESNO, Calif. - Roger Paul scored 21 points and Spencer Krannitz added 18 as Fresno Pacific defeated Academy of Art, 70-59, in FPU's PacWest home opener on Saturday. It was a one-possession game for most of the second half, but the Sunbirds (5-2, 1-1) took control down the stretch, outscoring the Urban Knights 18-8 over the final eight minutes.
 
"I thought our first-shot defense was solid and made the difference tonight" said head coach Tim Kisner. "We threw in enough shots to earn the win, but we missed some open shots that we usually convert. I thought our effort was there and I thought we competed at a high-level, so those other aspects will come."
 
Paul made 12-of-13 from the line in the win, while Krannitz finished 7-for-12 from the field and 4-for-8 from three-point range. Paul added three assists and Krannitz totaled five rebounds, four steals, two assists and one block. Madison Higgins added eight points and five rebounds, Gabe Solarin scored six points and dished out three assists and Oliver Herting totaled six points and four rebounds.
 
The Sunbirds led 52-51 with 8:04 remaining before running off a 7-0 run, which was capped off by a three-pointer from Suhail Mohammadi, to give FPU a 59-51 advantage. ART U cut the lead to six with 3:56 left, but wouldn't come any closer after Paul converted a three-point play after getting fouled on a fast-break layup. Krannitz started the play with a steal on the defensive end. Both teams played to a 33-33 first half.
 
"I thought the biggest play of the game was Spencer diving on the floor for a loose ball to set up Roger's three-point play," said Kisner. "It was the play of the night and the type of hustle play you have to make to win games."
 
The Sunbirds out-rebounded the Urban Knights 39-35 and scored 19 points off turnovers. FPU finished the night 24-of-58 from the floor for a clip of 41 percent.
 
Jase Harrison scored 13 points to lead the Urban Knights, who fell to 3-5, 1-1 in PacWest play.
 
FPU has a quick turnaround and faces Humboldt State on the road on Monday at 7 p.m.