The No. 3-ranked Sea Lions (12-1, 3-1) are perfect in the new decade thanks to a 90-60 victory over Hope International (4-8, 0-3) in Golden Gymnasium on Saturday night. Point Loma's win streak is up to six, keeping the Green and Gold within reach of Westmont and Azusa Pacific who remain perfect in GSAC play.
Saturday's conference tilt began with a 9-0 run by the Sea Lions who would go on to shoot 55.3 percent in the first half. HIU experienced several scoring droughts including a tally of only four points in the last five minutes leading to halftime. Meanwhile, a jumper by Danielle Arriola with five seconds left in the opening period stretched PLNU's lead to 22 at the break.
Though the Royals poured on more points in the second half in which they took 12 more shots, the Sea Lions continued to play aggressively. A lead of 40 point with a little less than five minute to go was diminished only to 30 in the end and PLNU Coach Bill Westphal was able to dole out minutes to his subs.
Colleen Planeta dominated the Sea Lions' offensive presence with 28 points and was joined in double figures by Amanda Franz who put up 21 points and also notched a team-high five steals. Planeta was also vital defensively with five of the team's seven blocks. Liah Ector and Julie Walton combined for 16 points for PLNU. PJ Hanson and Brianna Colon stole the ball four and three times respectively as part of 21 Point Loma takeaways.
The highlights for HIU included three players in double figures, led by Lauren Salazar's 13 points and seven rebounds. The Royals were also an impressive 9-10 from the free throw line as a team.
The Sea Lions have am 18-1 all-time record against the Royals.
PLNU's next game will take place across town at San Diego Christian College on Tuesday, Jan. 5 at 5:30 P.M.
