FRESNO, Calif. - Andreas Bigum's tip-in with 48 seconds remaining gave Fresno Pacific a lead it wouldn't relinquish as the Sunbirds defeated Bristol, 72-70, on Thursday night at the FPU Events Center. FPU received a game-high 22 points off the bench from Roger Paul in the win.

The Sunbirds move to 4-1 overall with the win, while Bristol moves to 0-6.

"It seemed like we were battling uphill the whole night," said head coach Tim Kisner. "Bristol deserves a lot of credit, they played hard tonight. I'm happy our guys were able to stick together and battle through. That is a character win for a team, and our guys found a way to get it done."

Paul scored his 22 points on 5-of-9 shooting, making 4-of-7 from three and 8-of-8 from the free-throw line. He added five rebounds and two assists to his line. Spencer Krannitz had 12 points (5-9 FG) and seven rebounds, Gabe Solarin scored 10 points, Bigum totaled nine points and five assists and Zach Bartley scored seven points to go along with a game-high nine rebounds for the Sunbirds.

FPU trailed by six on four occasions during the second half, the latest at the 6:15 mark, before the Sunbirds battled back and tied the game with 3:50 remaining after a pair of free throws from Paul. Each team exchanged baskets, FPU's coming from a fastbreak dunk from Bigum and a steal and fastbreak layup from Tyrone Viney Jr., down the stretch until Bigum's tip-in put FPU ahead for good with under a minute to play. Free throws from Paul and Bartley sealed the win for the Sunbirds who trailed 37-34 at the half.

FPU made 23-of-53 shots from the field for a mark of 43 percent, while the Bears shot 24-of-65 for 37 percent. The Sunbirds forced 14 turnovers, which turned into 18 points, and out-rebounded Bristol 40-38.

Tade Keshisyan led Bristol with 21 points.

The Sunbirds now move their focus into PacWest conference play and face Dominican on Saturday, Dec. 5. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. in San Rafael.