HILO, Hawai'i-While certain stretches seemed to cascade against them, the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds (7-16 overall, 4-12 PacWest) matched the amped up Hawai'i Hilo Vulcans (16-5 overall, 12-4 PacWest) shot for shot before ultimately falling 74-65 in overtime Saturday night at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.
 
Hilo ramped up their aggressiveness from the jump in front of a raucous senior night crowd. Fresno Pacific hung tight despite some early mistakes and quickly made it a game.
 
"I was really proud of our effort tonight," Fresno Pacific head coach C.J. Haydock said. "Everyone knows Hilo is the most challenging place to play in the league and I thought our grit and togetherness was commendable."
 
Darrin Person Jr. established a scoring presence early, scoring four of the first six points for FPU.
 
Kyle Monk and Spencer Heimerdinger each knocked down early threes as 'Birds were 42% from deep in the first half.
 
Fresno Pacific used those timely three-pointers and stifling defense to hold onto a 32-26 lead at the break. The Sunbirds held the hosts to just 1-11 from deep in the first twenty minutes.
 
Hilo quickly caught up in the second half as Fresno Pacific's 52% field goal percentage slipped down into the 40's while the Vulcans began to connect from long range a bit more.
 
As the Vulcans built their own lead, the 'Birds seemed to match every big shot down the stretch of the second half.
 
It was at the free-throw line that Fresno Pacific left space for Hawai'i Hilo. FPU was just 5-10 at the stripe in the second half.
 
"I thought we earned a better outcome than we got," Haydock said. "Just few too many ill timed turnovers and we needed to convert a few more free throws."
 
In overtime, Hawai'i Hilo wiggled away to a 69-62 lead before Monk's offensive rebound and corner three pulled Fresno Pacific back within four points in the final 50 seconds.
 
The Vulcans shook free after a missed free throw and a missed FPU three-pointer, finding a dunk to push their lead back to six.
 
Hilo sealed the game at the free-throw line over the final 20 seconds.
 
The 'Birds had contributions from all 9 who touched the floor. Ryan Abbott snagged 10 rebounds to match the game high.
 
"Hilo is tremendously talented, well coached and tonight they presented a very hostile environment." Haydock added. "I was thrilled with our defensive effort and resilience at this point in a season full of adversity. The challenge of basketball is that you can give everything you have and it's not always enough."
 
Kyle Monk led the scoring FPU with 22 points, setting a new career-high. Monk also played 40 minutes and snagged 7 rebounds for new high marks in his collegiate career.
 
"Really impressed with Kyle's offensive prowess tonight," Haydock said of the freshman. "I'm proud of his composure and continued development.
 
Fresno Pacific aims to bounce back as it continues the Hawai'i road trip on Monday night at Hawai'i Pacific.
 
"This is who we will be for the next couple of weeks," Haydock finished. "As we empty our tank for our seniors."
 
For the full schedule, visit fpuathletics.com.
 
 
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