SAN DIEGO –The Fresno Pacific men's basketball team used a strong second half to pick up its first win of 2018-19 on Saturday. The Sunbirds took down Montana State Billings 73-65 at the Sea Lion Tip-Off Classic behind a 46-point second frame.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Fresno Pacific 73, Montana State Billings 65
Records: FPU (1-1), MSUB (0-2)
Location: San Diego | Golden Gymnasium
Series: The Sunbirds lead 1-0
 
QUOTABLE:
• "Great effort from our guys tonight. Got down early, didn't flinch, and just kept competing defensively. Elijah, RJ, and AJ really carried us on that side of the ball. Aamondae and Nate made big time shots for us. But, most impressive to me, is our grit to just keep defending and competing. Just sustained a very good energy level and didn't flinch at some things we really challenged ourselves to improve on from last night. We have to sustain an urgency to get better every single day, to get tougher, and keep growing and learning together." - head coach C.J. Haydock
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
• FPU struggled offensively the majority of the opening half. Down 10 with just over five minutes to play in the half, Nate Kendricks dialed up a three and followed it with two from the charity stripe to get the 'Birds back in it. 
• The Sunbirds, despite shooting 34 percent from the floor, only trailed 32-27 at the half.
• The second frame was a different story for FPU. A 16-3 run to open the half made the difference, which was sparked by a three from Aamondae Coleman.
• The 'Birds went on to lead by as many as 17 following a layup from Elijah Hill, and then held off the Yellowjackets the rest of the way.
 
STATS OF THE GAME:
• Coleman led the Sunbirds with 19 points and eight rebounds. He finished the night 7-of-11 from the floor. 
• Kendricks added 16 points and seven boards, Adrian Antunez totaled 10 points, five rebounds and four assists, Elijah Hill added eight points, Toby Christensen had seven points and eight rebounds, and R.J. Horn chipped in with five rebounds, four points and two steals.
 • The Sunbirds shot 55 percent from the floor in the second half and finished at 45.5 percent for the game, while the Yellowjackets closed at 35 percent.
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• Coleman's 19 points were a season best and two off his career high.
• Kendricks made his first career start on Saturday.
• The Sunbirds were without senior Jake Straughan.
 
SOCIAL:
• Twitter - @fpusunbirds
• Instagram - @fpusunbirds
• Facebook - /FPUathletics
 
UP NEXT:
• The Sunbirds will now return to Fresno for their home opener. FPU will host Cal State East Bay on Saturday, Nov. 17 at 6 p.m.