[Box score]

SAN DIEGO - It is a long-standing rumor in basketball that the team which can set the tempo of the game will come away with the victory. Saturday's matchup between Fresno Pacific and the Point Loma men's basketball teams featured the top scoring and top defensive team in the Pacific West Conference, and it was the offensive prowess of the Sunbirds which prevailed over the Sea Lions' defense for an 80-72 win.

The win is the 10th in the last 11 games for Fresno Pacific which improved to 17-7 on the season (12-4 PacWest). PLNU fell to 5-20 (2-15 PacWest).

John Taylor and Antonio Credit scored 17 points apiece to pace four Sunbirds in double-figures. Malcolm Griffin added a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

AJ Ussery led Point Loma with 13 points. Weston Ehlers came off the bench to notch 12 points, including three 3-pointers. Todd Campbell added eight points and eight rebounds.

Fresno Pacific was able to dictate tempo from the beginning as it took a 44-39 lead into the locker room. The score favored the FPU who averages 87.7 ppg on the season compared to just 55.3 for PLNU. The Sunbirds scored 38 of their 44 first-half points in the paint as they continued to attack the rim on offense and create easy chances in transition. FPU finished the game with a 56-26 advantage on points in the paint and 8-0 on fast break points.

However, despite the statistical advantages for FPU the Sea Lions hung with them and even took a one-point lead (65-64) on Campbell's layup with 6:48 remaining. Fresno Pacific would then answer with a 13-4 run over the next five minutes to put the game away.

The Sea Lions' biggest edge came from behind the arc as they knocked down 11 treys in the contest while holding FPU 1-of-12 from deep.

The Sea Lions will close out their 2012-13 season next Saturday against Dixie State. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. Senior Night ceremonies for Todd Campbell will precede the game.