OAKLAND, Calif.- A hot-shooting Kyle Monk and tenacious defense were enough for the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds (6-16 overall, 4-10 PacWest) to push conference leading Academy of Art (15-7 overall, 11-4 PacWest) into overtime but turnovers proved costly in an 88-82 loss Saturday at Laney College.

"I thought our compete level was really high today," head coach C.J. Haydock said after. "And I thought our focus and grit in a really chaotic game were commendable. But turnovers and conceded offensive rebounds provided a shot attempt discrepancy we can't overcome."

After an even start over the first three minutes, Monk hit back-to-back threes that gave FPU the lead.

Fresno Pacific maintained that lead throughout the first half as Harrison Pennisi balanced out the offense with three baskets in the paint.

But it was Monk's half, and the sophomore continued to connect from deep.

Monk had 20 first half points including six of eight on threes in the half, propelling FPU to a 41-39 lead at the half.

The 'Birds maintained the advantage until the midway point of the second half when ART U began to get to the free-throw line.

The Urban Knights built a four point lead.

Art was 6-7 at the line before Avery Lewis putback stalled the run and pulled FPU back within two points.

The game went back and forth over the final couple of minutes and was tied at 74 with 25 second remaining.

ART U missed a buzzer beater that could have won the game in regulation on a desperation heave.

In overtime, the Urban Knights built a seven-point lead and kept FPU at bay.

The Sunbirds led for nearly two-thirds of the game but only hit one three in the final 25 minutes after knocking down seven in the first half.

The difference in the game was FPU's 20 turnovers that ART U converted into 29 points and used to get out in transition.

"I thought our youth showed a little in overtime in some moments where we needed execution and didn't get it crisply enough," Haydock added.

Fresno Pacific relied on the three, especially behind Monk's hot-hand in the first half. But FPU still got high percentage shots all game and shot 51% from the field, only to be
hampered by the turnovers.

ART U converted that into the win, especially because of FPU's half court defense that held the Urban Knights to 41% from the field for the game.

It's the second time this season that the 'Birds have had multiple 20 point scorers in the same game with Monk and Pennisi combining for 46 points.

"A tremendous showing for Kyle Monk and Harrison Pennisi on offense," Haydock concluded. "I think our young guys across the board provide flashes of who we are going to be."

Isaac Peralta added 11 while Ryan Abbott had 9 points, 9 boards and 5 assists.

The Sunbirds return to Fresno this week for the beginning of a four-game homestand, and play four of the final five games of the season at the Special Events Center.
Thursday night, FPU hosts Dominican at 7:30 p.m. to begin that homestand.

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