IRVINE, Calif. – Fresno Pacific battled Concordia to the final minutes on Thursday night, but the Sunbirds ultimately fell 76-66 in PacWest play in Irvine. Aamondae Coleman scored a game high 22 points in the setback for the Sunbirds. 
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Concordia 76, Fresno Pacific 66
Records: CUI (21-8, 17-3 PacWest), FPU (12-13, 9-11 PacWest)
Location: Irvine, Calif. | CU Arena
Series: FPU trails 45-16
 
QUOTABLE:
• "Our guys played with tremendous grit tonight. Our defensive effort was excellent. Just needed a couple more shots to go, or to take care of the ball on a few more possessions. We are inches away from an outcome. Tough go for us, but we will get rested and prepared for Point Loma at their place on Saturday." – head coach C.J. Haydock
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
• The Sunbirds used a 9-2 run late in the first half (5:31) to take a lead on the Eagles, 27-25. The stretch was sparked by a three from Nate Kendricks.
• The two teams then exchanged buckets before CUI held a slight advantage at the intermission, 39-36.
• A three from Jake Straughan cut FPU's deficit to only four, 58-54, with 8:01 left. The Sunbirds wouldn't come any closer the rest of the night, however, as each time FPU made a run the Eagles responded on their home court. 
 
STATS OF THE GAME:
• Coleman grabbed seven rebounds to go along with his 22 points, while also adding a trio of threes. Adrian Antunez added 14 points and four rebounds, Elijah Hill totaled 11 points, five rebounds and three assists and Kendricks amassed seven points for the Sunbirds.
• The Sunbirds shot 50 percent from the floor (26-of-52).
• Concordia forced 25 turnovers and spun it into 29 points.
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• Coleman totaled his fifth game of scoring 20 or more points.
 
SOCIAL:
• Twitter - @fpusunbirds
• Instagram - @fpusunbirds
• Facebook - /FPUathletics
 
UP NEXT:
• The Sunbirds travel down to San Diego to take on league-leading Point Loma on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.