FRESNO, Calif. - After dropping three straight road contests to open the 2024/25 season, the Fresno Pacific men's basketball team returned home and emphatically took down NAIA's Nobel University 82-33 Saturday night.  

The FPU Volleyball team celebrated Senior Night with a win just moments earlier in the Special Events Center, so the smell of victory was already in the building once the Sunbirds took the opening tip.

In the first half, Fresno Pacific's efficiency was evident as they made 10 of 24 basket attempts, including 5 of 13 from beyond the arc, and capitalized at the free-throw line going 15/18.  They started strong with Seth Brown sinking a 3-pointer in the opening moments.  Fresno Pacific capitalized on Nobel's early turnovers, extending their lead to 17-4 midway through the half with contributions from players like Isaac Peralta and Ryan Abbott.  Nobel struggled with accuracy, making only 6 of 26 baskets and committing 11 turnovers. The Sunbirds finished the half with a dominant 40-15 lead, supported by a strong defensive presence, including three blocks.

In the second half, the Sunbirds continued to run away.  The half began with the Sunbirds capitalizing on a technical foul, adding two made free throws by Brown. Fresno Pacific's defense was strong, with Liam Switzer and Brown each contributing with blocks, while Jonah Geron made key plays with two successful 3-pointers. Nobel struggled with fouls and turnovers throughout the half, which allowed the Sunbirds to maintain a steady advantage. Brandon Gibson was effective from the free-throw line, adding multiple points to secure the Sunbirds' commanding lead.

By scoring 82, but with only three scorers in double digits, the Sunbirds were able to spread the wealth effectively among nearly all active players Saturday.  FPU outshined their NAIA opponent in every statistical category.  

Fresno Pacific Top Performers
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Brandon Gibson
- 13 points
- 8/10 FT

Jonah Geron
- 12 points
- 3/6 3PT

Hugo Gonzalez Garcia
- 11 points 
- 5/6 FT

Liam Switzer
- 5 points
- 6 rebounds
- 2 blocks

The FPU men open up a four-game home-stand beginning November 26, but before that will head back out on the road next weekend in the San Francisco State Crossover.  The 'Birds tip off against SF State Friday at 7:30pm and Sonoma State Saturday 5pm, both PT.  Both games will be streaming on FloSports, the exclusive home of the CCAA.  


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