FRESNO, Calif. – Fresno Pacific dropped a nail-biter to Cal State East Bay, 73-66, on Saturday in non-conference action. The Sunbirds, who were playing in their home opener, couldn't overcome a late run from the Pioneers at the Special Events Center.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Cal State East Bay 73, Fresno Pacific 66
Records: CSUEB (4-0), FPU (1-2)
Location: Fresno, Calif. | Special Events Center
Series: Tied 5-5
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
• The Sunbirds played a strong first half and led 39-33 at the intermission behind nine points from Adrian Antunez.  
• CSUEB came out of halftime firing, however, and used a 15-0 run to take its largest lead of the night with 13:03 remaining.
• Elijah Hill then carried FPU back into the game with an offensive outburst. Teammates Nate Kendricks added a three and Aamondae Coleman followed with a jumper that handed FPU a 52-50 lead with eight minutes to go.
• The Pioneers responded again, this time with a 12-3 run, which made the difference the rest of the way.
 
STATS OF THE GAME:
• Hill led the Sunbirds with 15 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Aamondae Coleman added a double-double of 12 points and 13 rebounds. Kendricks chipped in with 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting. 
• The Sunbirds finished 37 percent from the floor, while CSUEB countered at 46 percent.
 • Nai Carlisle led the Pioneers with a game-high 16 points.
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• Coleman picked up his first double-double of the season. His 13 boards also matched a career best.
• The Sunbirds were without senior Jake Straughan.
 
SOCIAL:
• Twitter - @fpusunbirds
• Instagram - @fpusunbirds
• Facebook - /FPUathletics
 
UP NEXT:
• The Sunbirds continue non-conference action on Wednesday, Nov. 21 at Stanislaus State at 7:30 p.m.