RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The Fresno Pacific men's basketball team scored 51 second-half points, but its comeback fell just short as #10 California Baptist edged the Sunbirds 88-80 Saturday at Van Dyne Gym in PacWest play. FPU received a career-best 26 points from Adriel McGee in the setback.
 
The Sunbirds drop to 1-9 overall on the year and 1-3 in the PacWest with the loss, while the Lancers move to 9-1 overall and 3-1 in league play.

"I'm really proud of our second-half effort, outpacing the number 10 team in the country by 15 points," said head coach C.J. Haydock. "I thought our compete level was through the roof, and we really generated offense with how recklessly hard we competed. Adriel really got us going offensively, and some of our bench guys really breathed life into us on both ends of the floor."

McGee shot 10-of-13 from the floor and knocked down 6-of-7 free throws for FPU. He added six rebounds, four offensive boards, and a steal on the evening. T.J. Viney scored 12 points and grabbed four steals, while Mike Crawley added 11 points and seven rebounds and Spencer Krannitz scored six points to go along with four rebounds and two assists.
 
The Lancers jumped out early and led 18-3 after six minutes of play. CBU carried the quick start into halftime to lead 52-29. The Sunbirds, who trailed by as many as 25 in the second half, cut the deficit to five with just under two minutes to play after a Samuel Holmes three, but they wouldn't come any closer as CBU finished off the win with free throws.
 
The Sunbirds shot 43 percent from the floor, including 34 percent from deep. The Lancers countered at 55 percent from the field and out-rebounded the 'Birds 42-31. FPU received 31 bench points to CBU's 18.
 
Michael Smith led all scorers with 28 points and added six rebounds and two assists for CBU. Kalidou Diouf added a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds.
 
FPU has a quick turnaround and faces non-conference foe Stanislaus State on Monday in Turlock. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.