FRESNO, Calif.-A trio of runs to separated caused the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds (5-13 overall, 2-9 PacWest) to stumble 75-58 to the Hawai'i Hilo Vulcans (13-4 overall, 9-3 PacWest) Tuesday night at the Special Events Center.

"I thought they dictated the game early and late," Fresno Pacific head coach C.J. Haydock said. "In the middle, we stopped letting them dictate the game. They bullied us in the paint. On defense, you have to be really crisp against one of the best offenses in the league."

Fresno Pacific came out aggressive early before Carlos Ramsey Jr. caught fire and spurred Hawai'i Hilo to a 27-13 advantage.

The Sunbirds answered with one of their most efficient shooting halfs of the season, knocking down 13 of 24 attempts and pulling within 4 with an 11-1 run.

Nate Kendricks delivered a bulk of his twelve points in the first half and Darrin Person Jr. found early success before foul trouble forced him to the bench.

But the Vulcans second run behind Ramsey Jr., who scored 20 first half points, and point guard Darren Williams extended their advantage to 45-33 at the half.

Things got more difficult for the Sunbirds in the second half as Hilo kept its frantic and efficient pace while FPU shot just 21% from the field.

Both teams rejected 12 shots but the Vulcans got the better of the Sunbirds in the paint with 46 points up close.

Fresno Pacific held the edge when it was able to get out and run, scoring 19 points in transition to Hilo's 8.

Kendricks finished tied with Kyle Monk for a team-high 12 points.

"I thought there was a little grit there. I though Kyle was really good again," Haydock said. "I thought Jonah Geron had a really good night. We just didn't have enough discipline all over tonight."

Person Jr. and Spencer Heimerdinger each finished with 3 blocks.

"We were sharp executing against some guys tonight," Haydock said. "With good players, if you give them two good looks, its really hard to stop them. We lost Ramsey a few times tonight and he punished us for it. They are talented and well coached. We'll get another shot at them at their place."

The Sunbirds turn their attention to the PacWest leading Point Loma Sea Lions who visit the Special Events Center on Saturday. The women's game will begin at 2 p.m. and the men will follow at 4:30 p.m.

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