MONMOUTH, Ore. – Fresno Pacific opened the 2017-18 season on Friday at the West Region Crossover Classic in Oregon. The Sunbirds received a double-double from Sam Burt, but FPU couldn't overcome a slow start to fall to Saint Martin's 95-79.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Saint Martin's 95, Fresno Pacific 79
Records: FPU (0-1), SMU (1-0)
Location: Monmouth, Ore. | New P.E. Building
Series: The Sunbirds are even at 2-2 with the Saints
Get Social: Twitter - @fpusunbirds | Instagram - @fpusunbirds | Facebook - /FPUathletics
 
QUOTABLE:
• "We ran into a really well-coached, hot-shooting St. Martins team tonight. We buried ourselves early and really struggled out of the gate. Once we found our composure, I thought we had some stretches offensively where we competed. Sam had a great effort for us, with energy, voice, and a motor. We have to turn around quickly tomorrow and be ready for a very talented Western Oregon team. We will need to raise our level of competition and composure substantially." – head coach C.J. Haydock
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
• FPU found itself in a big hole early, as the Saints scored the opening 15 points of the game.
• The Sunbirds, who trailed by as many as 23 in the period, entered halftime with a 54-38 deficit.
• A 10-3 run, which was capped off by a three from Jake Straughan, brought FPU within nine at 57-48 with 14:15 to play. The Sunbirds wouldn't come any closer, however, as the Saints escaped with the season-opening win.
 
STATS OF THE GAME:
• Burt led FPU with 23 points and 13 rebounds for a double-double. His 23 points were a co-game high, while the 13 boards were a game best. The senior also added a block.
• Newcomer Toby Christensen added 24 points and five rebounds, while Straughan and freshman Adrian Antunez scored 13 points apiece. Tyler Harris dished out a team-best five assists.
• The Sunbirds shot 44 percent from the floor, while the Saints countered at 49 percent.  
• E.J. Boyce led SMU with 23 points, while Jordan Kitchen added 21 points and 10 rebounds.
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• Burt's 13 rebounds were a career high, while his 23 points were just under his career best of 26. Burt is already half way to his double-double total from last year.
• Since joining the NCAA Division II in 2012-13, FPU is 2-3 in season openers.
• The 'Birds have now opened the season against St. Martin's for the fourth consecutive year.
 
UP NEXT:
• FPU faces Western Oregon on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.