SAN RAFAEL, Calif. — After being snubbed from the conference tournament the previous year, Fresno Pacific men's basketball punched their ticket to the PacWest Championships after narrowly defeating Dominican with a final score of 71-69 on Saturday afternoon. The game featured 11 ties and eight lead changes as the Sunbirds fought tooth and nail to overcome the initial deficit and clinch their spot.

"I'm just really, really proud of the character of our group," said head coach C.J. Haydock. "We started our season 0-5 with a bunch of injuries, and we stared down the doubts that come with a start like that with so much trust and perseverance. We went from that start to 12-6 in our last 18 games, playing six freshman and sophomores collecting heavy minutes, with only one senior suiting up for us, and it's a testament to the student athletes we coach and their belief and willingness to be coached."

Fresno Pacific opened the first half with an early lead, thanks to Seth Brown's quick free throws. Despite several turnovers, the Sunbirds maintained competitiveness through key plays, including a 3-pointer by Brandon Gibson Jr. at 14:49. As the half progressed, Brown was instrumental in the offense, contributing a series of successful shots, including a layup and a jumper towards the end of the half. The first half concluded with Dominican leading 39–36.

The 'Birds captured the lead midway through the second half with a key 3-pointer by Logan Kilbert at 9:40, putting the team ahead 58–55. Isaac Peralta's assist was pivotal in this play. Later, Gibson Jr. extended the lead with a 3-pointer assisted by Harrison Pennisi at 7:02, boosting the Sunbirds' advantage to 63–57. In a dramatic finish, Nick Davidson secured the win with a layup at the six-second mark, bringing it to 71–69. The Penguins attempted a final push to score, but the 'Birds were able to steal their possession out from under them, letting the buzzer signal the end.

"I thought Seth Brown's will to win on the first half was unbelievable. He carried the offensive load and steadied us that entire half. Then in the second half, I just thought we found our collective rhythm and belief. Isaac Peralta made a bunch of plays on defense, Harrison Pennisi got us on a huge scoring run, and Nick Davidson carried us across the finish line line with a huge three-point play opportunity."

Overall, Brown led the team with 21 points, converting 8 of 11 field goals, and added a block. The junior is currently ranked second in three-pointers per game and third in free throw percentage in the PacWest. Over the course of the season, he's collected six +20 scoring games. Gibson Jr. added 16 points, making 5 of 8 shots, including two from beyond the arc. Senior Peralta contributed with six points and seven rebounds, while also recording four assists and two steals. He currently sits fourth in the PacWest in assists. Davidson scored 15 points, securing six rebounds and making two 3-pointers.

"We believe our team, when playing the way we should, is capable of being very competitive in postseason play. We look forward to a focused week of growth towards that goal."

FPU men's basketball has a record of 14-14 overall and 13-9 in the PacWest. The 'Birds will compete in the conference tournament March 5-7th at the Golden Gymnasium. FPU (No. 3 seed) will play against CUI (No. 6) on Thursday at 12:30 pm!

SUNBIRD SOCIAL 

• X - @fpusunbirds 
• Instagram - @fpusunbirds 
• Facebook - /FPUsunbirds