OAKLAND, Calif. – The Fresno Pacific University men's basketball team brought it defensively against CSU Dominguez Hills on Saturday afternoon as the Sunbirds held the Toros to a 35.8 (24-for-67) shooting percentage for the game resulting in a 68-63 victory. 
  
QUOTABLE
"Full team effort today, and an absolute elite defensive performance, led by Nate Kendricks holding one of the best guards in the west region to 2 of 17 from the field. Got a big contribution from Darrin and Jelani offensively, but defense carries the day for us. Disciplined and focused execution of our scout from our guys. Proud of our grit and togetherness today, and ready to attack getting better on Monday." – head coach C.J. Haydock.
  
HOW IT HAPPENED

• A layup from Darrin Person Jr. put the Sunbirds up 7-3 after 5:25 of play. 
• Spencer Heimerdinger's jumper moved the score to 17-11 with just under 10 minutes to go in the first half. 
• With 4:44 to go, Jordan Hilstock's three-pointer put the Toros up 23-19. 
• The Sunbirds trailed by five with 2:22 to play in the first half when Garret Cook and Jelani Watson-Gayle hit back-to-back threes to put the Sunbirds up one. 
• The run was capped by a layup from Kendricks that gave the team a 31-28 lead at halftime. 
• The second half was tight throughout, as the Sunbird's largest lead was only seven and it came when A.J Kirby banked in a layup with 23 seconds left in the game. 
• The Toro regained the lead when they went up 44-43 with 12:40 Left to play. 
• FPU took the lead back for the final time when Person Jr. put them up 52-50 with 6:12 remaining.
• The Blue and Orange took the game 68-63.

 STATS FROM THE GAME

• Watson-Gayle led the team with 20 points, going 6-for-12 from the field while never missing from the free throw line.
• The FPU bench poured in 23 points, 12 of which came from Person Jr. who had 12 points and five rebounds. 
• Kirby led the squad with nine rebounds. 
• The Sunbirds struggled three three-point range, shooting just 4-for-16 with none coming in the second half.
• The Birds made up for their shooting struggles from the free throw line, knocking down 80 percent (20-for-25) for the game.  

UP NEXT

• FPU is heading back to Tobin Gymnasium for the HNU Thanksgiving Classic next weekend when they take on Sonoma State and San Francisco on Friday and Saturday respectively. Both games start at 5 p.m. 

SUNBIRD SOCIAL

• Twitter - @fpusunbirds
• Instagram - @fpusunbirds
• Facebook - /FPUathletics