FRESNO, Calif. – Fresno Pacific couldn't overcome a sluggish second half on Monday afternoon, as the Sunbirds fell to Point Loma 78-56 in PacWest action. FPU led at halftime, but the Sea Lions escaped with their fifth straight win.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Point Loma 78, Fresno Pacific 56
Records: PLNU (9-2, 5-0), FPU (3-6, 1-4)
Location: Fresno, Calif. | Special Events Center
Series: FPU trails 39-36
 
QUOTABLE:
• "We played a very clean first half, defended well, shared the ball and generated good shots. In the second half, we just weren't tough enough to make the right play and generate good looks on offense, and we allowed that to affect our compete level on defense. We will work diligently at getting better, tougher and more together tomorrow." – head coach C.J. Haydock
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
• After a slow start, the Sunbirds rode Elijah Hill's hot hand in the middle of the first half to stay within striking distance.
• With five minutes to play in the opening half, a pair of layups from Adrian Antunez and a high-flying dunk from Nehemiah Allen gave FPU the lead.
• The 'Birds held a 35-34 advantage at the half.
• FPU was then held to only eight field goals in the second half, as PLNU countered with 44 points to gain control.
 
STATS OF THE GAME:
• Hill scored a co-game high 21 points for the Sunbirds, while also adding three rebounds.
• Antunez finished with 10 points and four steals and Aamondae Coleman amassed six points and six boards for FPU.
• Josh Rodriguez led PLNU with 21 points, six assists and three rebounds and Daulton Hommes amassed a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds.
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• The Sunbirds were held to their lowest shooting percentage (36 percent) of the year in the setback.
 
SOCIAL:
• Twitter - @fpusunbirds
• Instagram - @fpusunbirds
• Facebook - /FPUathletics
 
UP NEXT:
• The Sunbirds hit the road to face Cal State Monterey Bay on Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. on Seaside.