COSTA MESA, Calif. -- The Sea Lions opened conference play Tuesday night, falling at Vanguard University 75-62. Playing from behind all game, the Green and Gold took the lead with six minutes left, but a late run from Vanguard spoiled the Sea Lions' perfect record.

The loss drops PLNU to 4-1 on the season and to 0-1 in the GSAC. Vanguard improved to 6-3 overall and 1-0.

The Sea Lions outshot Vanguard 53-44 percent overall, but Vanguard buried the Sea Lions with 10 3-pointers. PLNU also gave up 21 turnovers on the night. Four Sea Lions scored in double figures, lead by sophomore Marek Klassen and senior Rhett Beal, who each had 13.
 
Chris Kupets finished with 13 points and 7 assists, and the host Lions showcased their depth with every player but one scoring at least 3 points.
 
A quick start put the Sea Lions up 4-0, but that would be the largest lead they held all night. After battling back and forth for much of the first half, PLNU entered halftime down eight beneath a flurry of long-range bombs from Vanguard.
 
After the break, Vanguard extended their lead to 10 points on a couple of free throws by Kupets.
 
But a 3-point play from Beal sparked an 11-0 run by the Sea Lions, who took a 38-37 lead with 14 minutes left.
 
The teams traded the lead for the next several minutes, with both sides giving up plenty of fouls and turnovers. Then with 3:15 left, Kupets completed a 4-point play to give Vanguard the lead for good.
 
During the final three minutes, Vanguard stretched the lead to 12, and a pair of freebies from Taylor Kelly sealed the Sea Lions' first loss of the season.
 
The Sea Lions narrowly outrebounded Vanguard 30-28 but were dominated in the turnover battle 21-14. The Sea Lions also struggled to get to the free throw line, attempting only 12 free throws compared to 19 for Vanguard.

PLNU will play its first GSAC home game this Saturday, hosting Westmont at 7:30 pm.