Box Score

SAN DIEGO - After suffering a heartbreaking one-point loss earlier this season to Hawaii Pacific on the road, the Point Loma women's basketball team exacted their revenge on the Sea Warriors on Thursday night (Feb. 13). Five Sea Lions scored in double-figures, including Jessica Escorza who came off the bench with a career-high 25 points, as PLNU edged out Hawaii Pacific 81-78.

This was the fourth straight win for the Sea Lions (13-9, 10-7) which climbed into a virtual tie with Fresno Pacific for fifth place in the Pacific West Conference standings. HPU, which entered the day third in the PacWest, fell to 14-7 on the season and to 10-5 in the PacWest.

Escorza went 7-of-15 from the field and 10-of-11 at the free throw line en route to matching her season-high with 25 points. She also added seven rebounds and three assists.

"Even in practice Jessica has such a presence," said PLNU head coach Bill Westphal. "She has so much energy and enthusiasm. Her attitude is great and she is a real spark plug for this program. What she has been able to do in games after being out so long is amazing."

Abby Boorman notched her sixth double-double of the season as Savannah Erskine added her second. Boorman had 13 points and 10 rebounds to go along with three blocks and two steals. Erskine posted her's by going 5-of-6 from the field to record 11 points while dishing out 10 assists. Callie Rhoads also registered 13 points for PLNU and Carlotta Kloppenburg added 11. Erin Andersen hauled in 10 boards in the win.

Skye Savini led HPU with 22 points. Morganne Comstock added a double-double with 12 points and 17 rebounds.

Just as the contest on January 9 this game came down to the final minute. PLNU led 40-35 at the half but saw their lead slip away midway through the second half when HPU went on an 8-0 run with five minutes remaining. The Sea Lions would fight back to take the lead on a layup by Escorza and 3-pointer by Rhoads.

PLNU was still in front with 3:45 to go when the PacWest leader in assists Erskine picked up her fifth foul. The Sea Lions were without their point guard down the stretch but had the team effort needed to earn the win. A free throw by Anna Viettry, who came in for Erskine, made a free throw with 1:08 left to put PLNU up 79-73. HPU's Savini followed with a trey and then after a PLNU turnover HPU had a chance to tie the game but Savini's 3-pointer fell short and she collared the rebound and laid it back in to bring the Sea Warriors within one (79-78) with 24 seconds left.

On the next play PLNU broke the press and got the ball into the hands of Viettry again who made one of two free throws. HPU had a chance to tie or take the lead on it possession and the Sea Warriors chose to go for the win but Savini's 3-point attempt came up short and Rhoads grabbed the rebound and was fouled to seal the victory.

"We are getting better and have learned how to win," said Westphal. "Now we just have to show up in all positions every night and I really like our team." 

Point Loma shot 46 percent in the game and outrebounded HPU 43-39.

The Sea Lions will be at home again on Saturday when they host BYU-Hawaii (2-19, 2-14 PacWest) at 2:00 p.m.