AZUSA, Calif. - Azusa Pacific fell 56-52 to Fresno Pacific on Thursday evening in the Felix Event Center. George Reidy led the offense, recording 14 points in the loss. Ken West joined him in double-digit scoring with 11 points while also earning seven rebounds and three steals. 

How it Happened: The Sunbirds were up 16-14 on the Cougars with 10 minutes remaining in the first half before Azusa Pacific was able to tie it from a layup by Reidy. Nate Kleppe then drew a foul with seven minutes on the clock and his free throws allowed the Cougars to gain their first lead of the game at 17-16. 

Azusa Pacific began to put pressure on the Sunbirds defense, taking a 23-18 lead, but Fresno Pacific responded taking a 27-26 lead with 25 seconds left after the Cougars went scoreless over a five minute span. Fresno Pacific held the edge heading into the final 20 minutes of the game, leading 29-27. 

The Cougars continued to trail Fresno Pacific 35-30 four minutes into the second half. Layups by West and Trevan Martin put Azusa Pacific within one before the Sunbirds secured a free throw and three-pointer to extend their lead to six points. Still holding a 43-42 lead, the Cougars forced two turnovers and West received the ball at the top of the key, knocking one down from beyond-the-arc to give Azusa Pacific a two point advantage. 

 Azusa Pacific found themselves trailing 50-48 before Reidy hit a pull up jump shot to tie the game at 50 a piece. The Sunbirds drove down court with a layup to take a two-point lead, but Bryce Sloan was then fouled, making a free throw to cut the lead to just one point. Fresno Pacific hit a three pointer to to give them a steady advantage with 22 seconds left, and the Cougars final effort was not enough as the Sunbirds took the road victory by a final score of 56-52. 

By the Numbers: Both teams took advantage of each others miscues as the Cougars were able to collect 12 points off Fresno Pacifics 19 turnovers and the Sunbirds earned 13 points off the Cougars 14. Azusa Pacific shot 33.3% (18-for-54) from the field and just 15% (3-for-20) from beyond-the-arc, which was their lowest 3PT% on the season thus far. Reidy led the scoring, collecting 14 points followed by West's 11 and the Cougars also earned 15 steals in the loss, which is a team high. 

Up Next: Azusa Pacific will travel to Hawai'i for a three game road trip starting Tuesday, January 23rd at Hawai'i Pacific. The game will tip-off at 12:00 p.m. (HST) | 2:00 p.m. (PST).