PLNU put together a strong second-half comeback, but it was not quite enough as the Sea Lions fell to visiting Claremont College 64-62, Wednesday night in Golden Gym.

After trailing for most of the game, the Sea Lions rallied to tie the game with 5:35 remaining. A jumper by Nate Van Weelden, whose 21 points led the team, put the Sea Lions ahead 54-52 with five minutes to play.

PLNU would not score again for the next four minutes, and in that span the visiting Stags scored seven unanswered points.

Van Weelden pulled up and hit a three-pointer with 50 seconds left to make the score 59-57 Stags. The Sea Lions would come within one point, but the Stags made their free throws down the stretch while PLNU was unable to capitalize on its limited opportunities.

The Sea Lions were haunted by free-throw shooting woes all night, getting to the line 37 times, but making just 21 (57%). PLNU shot better from the field than Claremont, especially in the second half when the Sea Lions shot 52 percent.

PLNU did not make a field goal until nearly seven minutes into the first half, and at one point trailed 27-12. The team went on a run that allowed them to go into the locker room trailing by eight though.

Van Weelden led the way with 21 and Rhett Beal added 17 points and nine rebounds. James Hancock scored 11 in the loss.

Claremont was led by Chris Blees, who scored 15 points. Patrick Lacey and Michael Bagby added 11 points apiece for the Stags, who improve to 6-3 this season.

The Sea Lions fall to 3-8 with the loss. PLNU will resume GSAC play this Saturday when they host Hope International.

-Jeremiah Wood