LA MIRADA, Calif.-Rallying back from multiple double-digit deficits, the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds (4-11 overall, 2-7 PacWest) ran out of their rejuvenating runs in an 86-77 loss to the Biola Eagles (10-5 overall, 5-3 PacWest) Saturday evening inside Chase Gymnasium.

Fresno Pacific knocked down half of its second half three point attempts and shot over 75% at the free-throw line but couldn't overcome Biola on the glass to overtake the lead.

"I thought our response in the second half was tremendous," Fresno Pacific head coach C.J. Haydock said. "It reflected the caliber of character of the young men in our locker room, especially our seniors."

The Sunbirds offense started successfully on the inside with Darrin Person Jr. scoring a pair of field goals and things remained even at 9-9 through the early going.

Biola gained separation in the middle of the half utilizing a trio of three -pointers to create a double-digit difference.

The Eagles ball movement further widened the margin as they assisted on 11 of their first 16 field goals to create a 41-25 halftime score.

Nate Kendricks led Fresno Pacific with eleven first half points, going 4 for 5 inside the three-point line.

The Sunbirds adjustments rocketed them to a 9-0 run over the first two minutes of the second half, pulling within 7.

After a series of free-throws, Spencer Heimerdinger knocked down two threes on consecutive possessions to make it a one possession game.

A pair of Kendricks free-throw pulled it to just one before Biola was able to reset their advantage to eight.

Kendricks continued to get inside and get to the line, pulling FPU back within a possession.

The free-throw line was important to FPU's comeback as the Sunbirds did not get to the line once in the first half but went 8-10 of the first ten minutes of the second to get back within two points.

After stretch of free-throws for both sides caused the game to go back and forth, the teams traded consecutive field goals until Biola grabbed a five-point lead.

Isaac Peralta took a defensive rebound and went coast-to-coast, laid it up and drew the foul to reduce the deficit down to two.

But Biola took advantage of their edge on the glass as they utilized 12 second chance points off of 11 offensive rebounds to reset the lead to double digits again.

Kendricks delivered a career-high 26 points in the loss while three other Sunbirds joined him in double-figures. Person Jr. added 14 points, Heimerdinger's late threes helped him finish with 11 and Peralta added 10 points.

"Nate Kenricks, in particular, led us with a really high level of composure and toughness." Haydock said. "I thought we made a great second half push with Isaac, Spencer and Nate, we just ran out of gas to get over the hump."

While FPU was just 1-13 in the first half from deep, the Sunbirds were 5-10 in the second half and earned all 17 of its free-throws in final twenty minutes.

Biola converted a plus 9 in rebounds into the ultimate difference in the game as it finished with 15 second chance points.

"Its just a really tough outcome for us with all of the circumstances," Haydock said. "Scheduling inequities, injuries, and a hostile road environment. I think the wear and tear of four games in eight days, and being shorthanded really shines in that game."

"We will reset, try to gain some health and respond with more toughness and togetherness." Haydock concluded.

Fresno Pacific will have a week off before its next road game at Holy Names on Saturday, January 14^th. The 'Birds remain on the road the following week for a non-conference game against UC Santa Cruz on the 19^th before returning home on the 24^th to host Hawai'i Hilo in the Special Events Center.

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