FRESNO, Calif. – A strong defensive effort from Fresno Pacific wasn't enough on Saturday afternoon, as the Sunbirds fell to Concordia 71-62. FPU forced a season-high 18 turnovers, but the Eagles escaped Fresno with their eighth-straight win.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Concordia 71, Fresno Pacific 62
Records: CUI (9-4, 5-0), FPU (3-5, 1-3)
Location: Fresno, Calif. | Special Events Center
Series: FPU trails 44-16
 
QUOTABLE:
• "We just have to have an urgency to get better. We played a very good Concordia team closely, but we turned the ball over way too much, and failed to make shots. That's a fatal combination any day, but especially against a team that talented. We know what we have to get better at, and will continue to have urgency to get better every single day." – head coach C.J. Haydock
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
• The Sunbirds played a solid first half and shot 56 percent from the floor. FPU led 26-23 after back-to-back layups from Toby Christensen, but went into the locker room down 38-32.
• FPU climbed back into the game in the second half and eventually led 48-46 with 12:31 to play.
• After each team exchanged buckets, Concordia used a 6-0 run with under four minutes to play to take control and hold on for the win.
 
STATS OF THE GAME:
• Christensen led the Sunbirds with 15 points, nine rebounds and three assists, while Aamondae Coleman added 15 points as well.
• Elijah Hill chipped in with 12 points and five rebounds and Adrian Antunez amassed six points, four rebounds and four assists for FPU.
• FPU shot 49 percent from the floor, but was held to 14 percent from deep.
• Concordia received 18 points and eight rebounds from Robert Taylor and 13 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists from Brian Chambers.
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• The Sunbirds had a season best 13 steals on the afternoon, but committed a season high in turnovers with 23.
 
SOCIAL:
• Twitter - @fpusunbirds
• Instagram - @fpusunbirds
• Facebook - /FPUathletics
 
UP NEXT:
• FPU has a quick turnaround and will host Point Loma on Monday, Dec. 17 at 4:30 p.m.