SEASIDE, Calif. – Fresno Pacific picked up a win in its final non-conference game of the year on Wednesday night, as the Sunbirds defeated Cal State Monterey Bay 71-60 at the Otter Sports Complex in Seaside.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Fresno Pacific 71, Cal State Monterey Bay 60
Records: FPU (4-6), CSUMB (0-11)
Location: Seaside, Calif. | Otter Sports Complex
Series: FPU leads 2-1
 
QUOTABLE:
• "Proud of a little bit of grit from us tonight. Monterey really flexed us, and with our third game in five days, we needed our bench to step up; and they did. Spencer Heimerdinger gave us a lift on offense in the first half, Kevin Howland hit a big-time three, and A.J. Kirby and R.J. Horn really did a good job defending and getting the ball moving on offense. Obviously, Elijah Hill carried the offensive load again for us, with a really timely series of buckets. Heading in to the Christmas break, will make some key adjustments, and keep trying to get better every day." - head coach C.J. Haydock
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
• The Sunbirds shot 48 percent from the floor in the opening half and held a 38-31 advantage at the intermission.
• FPU took control of the game with a 14-3 run with eight minutes to play. Howland's three sparked the run and Hill's six points finished it off, which took the lead from one to 13.
 
STATS OF THE GAME:
• Hill led the Sunbirds with 19 points on 6-of-12 shooting, while adding four rebounds, four assists and three steals.
• Toby Christensen totaled 12 points and eight boards for FPU and Aamondae Coleman finished with 10 points.
• FPU shot 48 percent from the floor and scored 28 points off 22 Otter turnovers.
• CSUMB received a game-high 22 points from Koen Sapwell.
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• The Sunbirds finished their non-conference slate with a 3-2 record.
• The 22 forced turnovers are a season best for FPU.

SOCIAL:
• Twitter - @fpusunbirds
• Instagram - @fpusunbirds
• Facebook - /FPUathletics
 
UP NEXT:
• FPU is back in action on Monday, Dec. 31 as the Sunbirds host Chaminade at 2:30 p.m.