SAN DIEGO –The Fresno Pacific men's basketball team opened its 2018-19 campaign on Friday afternoon against Saint Martin's in San Diego at the Sea Lion Tip-Off Classic. The Sunbirds started strong, but fell 86-61 to the Saints.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Saint Martin's 86, Fresno Pacific 61
Records: SMU (1-0), FPU (0-1)
Location: San Diego | Golden Gymnasium
Series: The Sunbirds trail 3-2
 
QUOTABLE:
• "I thought we looked like a really young team tonight. Struggled to find a rhythm, turned it over, had a couple stretches where we gave up runs to a senior heavy, well-coached top-25 team in the country. We have to have an urgency to get better, to compete with more discipline, and tighten up our rebounding and turnovers. Nate and Spencer were both great in their first game as freshmen, and we've just got to urgently attack opportunities to get better."– head coach C.J. Haydock
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
• The Sunbirds jumped out to a quick lead after Elijah Hill and Adrian Antunez combined for 11 points in the opening four minutes.
• Down only one, 28-27, with five minutes to play in the half, FPU allowed a 13-2 run that proved to be the difference.
• Saint Martin's carried the momentum into the second half and held off any idea of a Sunbird comeback.
 
STATS OF THE GAME:
• Antunez led the Sunbirds with 14 points on 7-of-11 shooting, while adding a pair of assists, steals and rebounds. Aamondae Coleman chipped in with nine points and six rebounds, while Hill closed the afternoon with eight points.
• FPU freshman Spencer Heimerdinger made his collegiate debut and finished in double-figures with 10 points, on a very efficient 3-of-3 shooting. Fellow freshman Nate Kendricks added nine points and two threes.
• Saint Martin's outscored Fresno Pacific 50-34 in the paint and capitalized with 23 points off turnovers.
• Tavian Henderson led the Saints with 14 points.
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• Saint Martin's is currently receiving votes in the preseason national poll.
• Since joining the NCAA Division II in 2012-13, FPU is 2-4 in season openers.
• The 'Birds have now opened the season against St. Martin's for the fifth consecutive year.
 
SOCIAL:
• Twitter - @fpusunbirds
• Instagram - @fpusunbirds
• Facebook - /FPUathletics
 
UP NEXT:
• The Sunbirds continue play at the Tip-Off Classic on Saturday against Montana State Billings at 5:30 p.m.