PLNU got a much-needed win Tuesday night, snapping a six-game losing streak, as the Sea Lions defeated visiting Berry College 78-63 behind a stellar 29-point performance from Rhett Beal.

Beal more than made up the void left by the injury to PLNU's leading scorer, Greg Murray. Beal hit his first ten shots, and finished the night 11-for-12 from the field and 7-for-7 from the free throw line. The 29 points were a career-high for the sophomore guard.

"Guys are going to have to step up with Greg out," said PLNU coach Ethan Hamilton. "Rhett did just that, he was huge for us tonight."

The Sea Lions withstood an early second half run by the Vikings, that saw a nine-point halftime lead evaporate. At the 14:30 mark, the Vikings had used some hot shooting to take the lead 50-45.

PLNU responded with three consecutive baskets by Beal, Robbie McDaniel and Jake Johnston.

“As coaches we have told them to be play with energy and to compete,” said Hamilton. “That paid off with the win today. When [Berry] made their run, we didn't have any energy. When we got back up, we had it.”

More offense from Beal and Johnston stretched the Sea Lion lead to eight, and with 7:27 to play Beal fed Paul Holtfrerich for a layup that brought PLNUs lead to 63-50, a run of 18 unanswered points.

The Sea Lions would close the game out from there, never allowing the Vikings to get closer than 11.

“The win uplifts the spirits of the whole group,” said Hamilton. “I have been encouraged that everyone has bought in to what we are trying to do, even through this tough spell.”

James Hancock scored 11 points, while Johnston added ten in the win. The Sea Lions forced 18 turnovers, while only giving the ball over seven times.

Berry College was led by guard Will Blackwell, who hit 12 free throws and finished with 21 points. Tim Miles scored 18 and Bentley Sparks added 11. Lee Trebotich led all players with 11 rebounds. The Vikings (3-5) also made 11 three-pointers in the loss.

PLNU (2-6) will face Lewis-Clark State this Friday at a neutral site in Fullerton. The Sea Lions don't play again at home until Tuesday, December 29th, when they host Midland Lutheran (Nebraska).

-Jeremiah Wood