FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno Pacific University men's basketball team unofficially opened their season with an exhibition against Fresno State on Tuesday night, as the Bulldogs took care of the Sunbirds 74-54 inside the Save Mart Center.
QUOTABLE
"I thought we were a little flat-footed in the first half, got physically overwhelmed for stretches. I was pleased with our second-half response as we found our toughness, took care of the ball, and for much more assertive offensively. lots of good moments from several guys. We've got some very specific areas we must be better at and will tighten those up this week. Most of all, we returned to the floor after 618 days without our family and community in the gym, and that return of having them in the stands means the world to our team and program." – head coach C.J. Haydock
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Bulldogs went up on the Sunbirds early, ripping off a 19-2 run to open the game.
- A layup from Sean Nealon-Lino cut the 'Dogs lead to 10 with 10:09 left in the first half.
- A.J. Kirby made the final bucket of the first half for the Birds, as the team trailed 42-20 at halftime.
- The Bulldogs maintained their lead throughout the second half to take the game 74-54.
STATS FROM THE GAME
- Jelani Watson-Gayle led the Sunbirds with 11 points, going 3-for-6 from three-point range.
- Nate Kendricks scored nine points, while Nealon-Lino scored eight points while making two threes.
- Nealon-Lino and Kirby led the Sunbirds with three rebounds each.
- FPU shot 40 percent (18-for-45) from the field against the Bulldogs.
UP NEXT
- The Sunbirds open their regular season on their home court this Friday when they host CSU East Bay at 8 p.m.
SUNBIRD SOCIAL
- Twitter - @fpusunbirds
- Instagram - @fpusunbirds
- Facebook - /FPUathletics
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