SAN DIEGO – Point Loma Nazarene battled back from an 18-point deficit to pull to within three of visiting Fresno Pacific, but the Sunbirds would prove steady at the stripe and claim the 92-83 victory Saturday in Golden Gym.

The loss drops the Sea Lions below .500 overall (13-14, 9-9 GSAC) and a game behind FPU (17-10, 10-8)  in the Golden State Athletic Conference standings. Depending on what happens with the California Baptist/ The Master's tilt later tonight, PLNU could find itself tied for sixth place with two games remaining in the regular season.

The Sunbirds quickly jumped out in front of undermanned Point Loma, taking a double-digit lead five minutes into Saturday's game. FPU built its advantage to 17 points with seven minutes remaining in the first before the Sea Lions chipped eight points off the deficit. Fresno regained momentum, though, and went into the half ahead 51-35.

PLNU got the gap down to single digits after five minutes expired in the second. A 9-0 run put the Sunbirds back in front by 17. That lead expanded to a game-high 18 at the 11:58 mark.

The Sea Lions managed to cut 10 points off the shortfall and were eight behind FPU after a Greg Murray layup. Wil Bush later sank a three with 5:19 to go to bring Point Loma to within six points.

Two minutes later, however, and Fresno Pacific was back in front by 10. But back-to-back treys on back-to-back possessions by Bush and Axel Anderson drew the Sea Lions to four points with 1:47 to play.

A Sunbird turnover and foul put Rhett Beal at the line. Beal made one of two attempts and it was a three-point differential.

PLNU started fouling in an attempt to get the ball back and Fresno Pacific was up to the challenge, the Sunbirds making nine free throws over the final minute to seal the win.

Both teams shot well, the Sea Lions 47.5 percent to 51.7 percent from FPU. The Sunbirds prevailed with a 20-26 effort at the line. Point Loma was just 12-21 from the charity stripe.

Four PLNU players scored in double figures led by 18 from Murray. Beal tallied 16 points and nine rebounds, Bush scored 15 and Marek Klassen added 10.

Six Sunbirds were in double-digits, paced by 19 from Jordan Wild and Adam Kado. Jerante Morgan added 13 points and Matt Christman had 11.

The Sea Lions play at Biola this coming Thursday, tip off at 7:30 pm. PLNU's final home game is next Saturday against Hope International.