THE LATEST IN MEN'S BASKETBALL
Tuesday, January 4 - Fresno, California
Sunbirds Soar into Top 25; Debut at #14
Written By Erik Farfan
It was announced earlier today that the Fresno Pacific men's basketball team broke into the NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball Coaches’ Top 25 Poll debuting at #14, which is the highest ranking for FPU men's basketball in school history. The 2008-2009 Sunbird squad is currently 10-3 and are 3-0 in Golden State Athletic Conference play thus far.
Fresno Pacific received votes in the previous NAIA coaches' poll and solidified this week's #14 national ranking after an impressive 76-67 win over Cal Baptist this past weekend who was ranked #15 at the time.
Head Coach Jim Saia has the Sunbirds poised to complete what could be one of the most successful seasons in school history in just his second season at the helm.
"This is just a good start and we don't want to get carried away," Saia responded when asked about the ranking announcement. "We can honor the ranking by keeping it...and possibly building off it. Our main focus right now will continue to be on the GSAC."
In comparison to teams of the past, FPU were GSAC champions in the 1990-1991 season when the conference included just seven teams. Fresno Pacific also had strong runs in the '93-'94 season when they finished second in conference, and in '94-'95 when the GSAC went to eight teams and the Sunbirds finished third. The GSAC expanded to eleven teams in 2001-2002 and is arguably one of the toughest NAIA conferences in the country.
FPU has won seven games in a row and will look to continue their winning streak this Thursday, January 8th when they host Vanguard University of Southern California at FPU's Special Event Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30PM.
Sunbirds Sink Sea Lions - Win 72-65
The Sunbirds started the game executing well offensively going 18 of 30 (56.3%), and played solid team defense which stifled the Sea Lions who shot just 8-30 (27%) from the field to end the first half.
Fresno Pacific continued to put Point Loma under pressure to open the second half and led by as much as 21 points midway through the period.
To their credit, the Sea Lions would not fold and battled back in the final 10 minutes to cut the deficit to only 5 points with just three minutes remaining in the game.
However, the Sunbirds would not be denied and were able to close the game out going on to win by seven points, 72-65.
FPU was led by James Lewis who scored a game high 20 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Marcus West also contributed with 9 points and was strong in the paint with 10 rebounds. Todd Brown had 11 points and Adam Kado had a season high 10 points on the night.
“We played an unbelievable first half of basketball,” commended Sunbird's assistant coach Chris Wright. “We came out with great energy and were able to have a great start. The bench gave us a big boost tonight and was a big reason why we were able to build a lead and eventually win the game.”
With the win, the Sunbirds improve to 6-3 overall (2-0 GSAC) and will be back in action Monday, December 15th as they travel to face
Tuesday, December 2 - Fresno, California
Sunbirds Beat Biola in GSAC Opener 66-42
Written By Erik Farfan
Head coach Jim Saia utilized his bench to continuously keep fresh legs on the court which put the Eagles under constant high pressure throughout the entire game. Saia’s game plan worked out to perfection as the Sunbirds were able to force 14 turnovers including 7 steals in the game. Fresno Pacific’s high energy strategy took its toll on the Eagles, allowing FPU to take a 31-22 halftime lead and eventually run away with the game in the second half to beat Biola by 24.
Sunbird junior guard James Lewis had another strong performance to lead FPU’s offense by scoring 24 points, going 8-15 from the field and draining six 3 pointers.
Senior guard Marcus West and junior forward Todd brown also contributed to the Sunbirds offensive effort. West scored 13 points and grabbed 6 rebounds, while Brown scored 8 points and had 4 assists on the night.
“As a coaching staff, we feel that it was our best defensive effort of the year so far,” complimented FPU assistant coach Chris Wright.” If we can defend like that the rest of the year, we have a chance of winning a lot of basketball games.”
With the win, the Sunbirds improve to 5-3 overall (1-0 GSAC) and will be back in action Saturday, December 6th as they travel to
Sunbirds Wear Down Warriors and Win 88-63
Written By Erik Farfan
FPU started off the game on the right note with a determined defensive effort taking an early 10-0 lead. However, the Sunbird’s lead would dwindle as they allowed the Warriors back into the game and finished the first half with a slight to 39-33 advantage.
The Sunbirds were able to refocus and came out again to start the second half with more intensity taking it to the Warriors. FPU was able to go on a 16 to 3 run to extend their lead by as much as 14 points at one point in the second period. William Jessup battled back, but the Sunbirds would hold them off this time to go onto cruise to an 88-63 win.
Fresno Pacific was led by junior forward Todd Brown who grabbed 9 rebounds and scored 21 points, going 7-11 from the field and 4-5 from three-point distance. Senior Marcus West also contributed scoring 17 points, and junior James Lewis scored 15 points and had 3 steals.
“We came out with good intensity to start the game but let down as the first half went on,” acknowledged FPU assistant coach Chris Wright. “To start the second half we were able to get some key stops which allowed us to eventually break the game open.”
With the win, the Sunbirds improve to 4-3 and will host
Sunbirds Hammer Hawks In Season Opener
Written By Erik Farfan
Oakland, Cailf. – The Fresno Pacific men’s basketball team tipped of their 2008-2009 season today in style by defeating
The Sunbirds started strong and went on a 23-4 run at one point in the first half helping them establish a 38-24 half time lead. FPU would never look back and go on to convincingly win their first game of the season by 19 points.
FPU’s James Lewis and Marcus West lead the Sunbird’s offense with Lewis scoring 20 points and grabbing 4 rebounds, and West with 14 points and 5 rebounds.
The FPU bench also contributed significantly towards tonight’s opening night win on the defensive end. Lead by sophomore Jordan Wild who had 8 points and 9 rebounds, and Adam Kado who also scored 8 points, the Sunbird bench was able to help with tough defense and keep the Hawks under constant pressure forcing turnovers.
“Fortunatley, we were able to come out early tonight with a great defensive effort and intensity which forced turnovers and led to some easy baskets for us,” acknowledged FPU assistant coach Chris Wright. “The support from the bench tonight was huge too.”
With the win, the Sunbirds improve to 1-0 and will be back in action Saturday, November 1st when they host CSU Maritime at the
