FRESNO, Calif. – A last second three from Fresno Pacific's Spencer Krannitz rimmed out as the Sunbirds fell to visiting Point Loma, 79-76, on Saturday at the Special Events Center. FPU led by as many as 15 and held a lead for 31 minutes, but the Sea Lions stormed back to escape with the crucial PacWest win.
 
The Sunbirds, who have lost three straight, fall to 9-9 overall and 4-7 in league play with the setback. PLNU moves to 10-7 overall and 6-5 in the PacWest with its third straight win.
 
Krannitz led FPU with his second double-double of the season with 15 points and 10 rebounds. The junior finished 7-of-11 from the field and dished out two assists. Roger Paul added 15 points and three assists, while Gabe Solarin, Zach Bartley and Madison Higgins added 10 points apiece. Bartley also pulled down six rebounds, while T.J. Viney dished out a career-high six assists.
 
FPU put together a strong first half and led 46-40 at the intermission. The Sunbirds used a 21-7 run in the middle of the half to lead 33-19 with 8:21 remaining. FPU finished 53 percent from the floor in the period.
 
The Sea Lions battled back in the second half and eventually took the lead with 6:17 left following a three from Tanner Lancona. Tyler Shea tied the game back up for FPU with 4:21 left after a layup, but PLNU answered with a 7-2 run to lead 79-74 with 10 seconds to go. Paul added a layup with three seconds remaining, and after an offensive foul on the Sea Lions, the Sunbirds' last second three rimmed out as time expired.
 
"I thought we played hard and really competed tonight," said head coach Tim Kisner. "We didn't finish the first half which hurt, but give Point Loma credit. They made some tough plays and made some shots down the stretch. Tonight is a great life lesson; you have to persevere, fight through and keep working."
 
The Sea Lions finished 50 percent from the floor in the win, while FPU finished at a 44 percent clip. The Sunbirds out-scored the Sea Lions 32-28 in the paint and 14-2 in fast-break points. FPU also out-rebounded PLNU 33-31.
 
The difference proved to be PLNU's Josh Rodriguez, who finished with 31 points, nine assists, four rebounds and two steals. Tanner Lancona added 13 points and six blocks.
 
FPU is back in action next Saturday, Jan. 30 at Azusa Pacific. Tip-off is slated for 3 p.m.