FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno Pacific fell to visiting Dixie State, 94-80, Saturday in PacWest action at the FPU Events Center. The Sunbirds shot 54% from the floor and had four players in double figures, but the Red Storm proved too much to handle inside to earn their eighth straight win.
 
FPU falls to 9-17 overall and 5-13 in the PacWest, while DSU moves to 19-6 overall and 16-3 in league play. The Red Storm is currently tied atop the conference standings with #15 Azusa Pacific and is receiving votes in the Division II Media Poll.
 
Madison Higgins led the Sunbirds with 23 points, which included a 5-for-8 clip from three on the night. Trevon Clayton added his fourth straight double-double and 11th overall with 15 points (6-9) and 13 rebounds, Roger Paul totaled 21 points and Bobby Barnes added 12 in the loss. Paul and Oliver Herting dished out four assists apiece.
 
The Sunbirds jumped out to a quick 24-16 lead before the Red Storm fired back. DSU used a 23-8 run in the final eight minutes of the first half to grab a 52-44 lead at the intermission.
 
FPU cut the deficit to three early in the second half, but wouldn't come any closer. DSU led by as many as 17 in the half to finish off the win.
 
The Red Storm finished 57% from the floor and out-rebounded the Sunbirds 30-24. DSU scored 48 points in the paint, made 20-of-24 free-throws and totaled 22 points off 14 FPU turnovers.
 
DeQuan Thompson scored a game-high 24 points for the Red Storm and Zach Robbins added 21 points and eight rebounds.
 
FPU is back in action next Thursday against #19 California Baptist on Senior Night at 7:30 p.m.