Sunbirds Set for PacWest Conference Tournament

FRESNO, Calif. – For the first time in program history, the Fresno Pacific University men's basketball team competes in the PacWest Conference Tournament. The Sunbirds open the tournament with a quarterfinal game against Academy of Art on Wednesday at 5 p.m.

"Tremendous opportunity for us this week as we get to achieve history on our home floor," head coach C.J. Haydock said. "It's a fitting way for our five seniors to go out, as their mark on our program as culture builders and history makers is undeniable. Our team is excited to compete against a group of deep and talented teams, and we greatly look forward to having our fans behind us. The challenge is substantial, but we will lock in on our preparation, and I'm confident the character and maturity of our veteran group will lead us well."

The Sunbirds enter the tournament as one of the best defensive teams in the PacWest. They lead the league in points against by allowing just 65.3 points per game. The team limits their match up to a conference-best 40.8 shooting percentage from the field. FPU rebounds well, ranking second in the conference in defensive rebounds with 26.8 per game. Darrin Person Jr., A.J. Kirby, and Sean Nealon-Lino average five or more rebounds per contest.

Jelani Watson-Gayle leads the Sunbirds offensively, ranking first in the conference in scoring for players who played more than 20 games with 19.2 points per game. He ranks second in the conference in 3-point field goal percentage, making 40.6 percent of his attempts. The London native doesn't miss from the free throw line, knocking down 85.5 percent of his attempts, a number that is best in the conference.

Nate Kendricks ranks second on the team in scoring 11.8 points per game. He's shooting 46.5 percent from the field and ranks third in assists with 54 over 26 games.

Spencer Heimerdinger, Garrett Cook, and Ryan Abbott contribute offensively as well. Heimerdinger shoots 46.8 percent from the field and ranks fourth on the team in assists. Cook made the second-most 3-pointers on the team this season. Abbott's ability in the post has him shooting 51.4 percent from the field in his first season as a Sunbird.

The Sunbirds and Urban Knights split their regular-season contests. FPU took the first meeting 74-63 on Jan. 22. Watson-Gayle exploded for 32 points, powered by a perfect 15-for-15 performance from the free throw line. ARTU got the better of the Birds on senior night, grabbing an 85-82 overtime victory last Saturday. Nealon-Lino was superb in that matchup, picking up his first double-double of the season with 15 points and 11 rebounds.

With a win, FPU advances to the semifinals to take on the winner of #1 Point Loma and #8 Chaminade at 2:45 p.m. on Friday. The men's championship is decided on Saturday at 2 p.m.

There are no capacity limits inside the Special Events Center this weekend. Masks are always required indoors. Tickets are available through PacWest, and links are above. Links are also available for a live broadcast and live stats for every game.

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Players Mentioned

#33 Garrett Cook: G; 6' 3"; Graduate Student

#15 Spencer Heimerdinger: F; 6' 9"; Junior

#5 Nate Kendricks: G; 6' 1"; Junior

#3 A.J. Kirby: G; 6' 5"; Graduate Student

#13 Sean Nealon-Lino: G; 6' 7"; Redshirt Sophomore

#25 Darrin Person Jr.: W; 6' 7"; Redshirt Junior

#0 Jelani Watson-Gayle: G; 6' 1"; Graduate Student

#23 Ryan Abbott: G; 6' 8"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#33 Garrett Cook
: 6' 3"; Graduate Student
: G

#15 Spencer Heimerdinger
: 6' 9"; Junior
: F

#5 Nate Kendricks
: 6' 1"; Junior
: G

#3 A.J. Kirby
: 6' 5"; Graduate Student
: G

#13 Sean Nealon-Lino
: 6' 7"; Redshirt Sophomore
: G

#25 Darrin Person Jr.
: 6' 7"; Redshirt Junior
: W

#0 Jelani Watson-Gayle
: 6' 1"; Graduate Student
: G

#23 Ryan Abbott
: 6' 8"; Sophomore
: G