LACEY, Wash. - The Point Loma men's basketball team opened the game outscoring Saint Martin's 35-7 and the Sea Lions never looked back en route a 74-59 victory over the Saints in the PacWest/GNAC Conference Challenge on Saturday, Nov. 14.
 
Sam Okhotin scored 15 of the Sea Lions' (1-1) first 33 points and finished with a game-high 25 points on 9-of-13 shooting, including six 3-pointers. He also had three assists and two blocks. Freshman Josh Rodriguez was in double-figures for the second game in a row with 14 points and a game-high eight assists. He was 4-of-6 from the field and 4-of-5 at the line. He also had four rebounds and three steals.
 
Judd Welfringer pulled down 10 boards to lead the Sea Lions. Jordan Kitchen was the only Saint in double-figures with 10 points. Tanner Lancona added 16 points and five rebounds
 
PLNU outshot SMU (0-2) 61 to 26 percent in the first half to seize control of the game. The Sea Lions outscored Saint Martin's by 18 points from 3-point range, and four different starters for the Sea Lions had at least two 3-pointers. PLNU also had assists on 20 of its 25 baskets and won the battle of the boards 36-31.
 
"We came out tonight wanting to prove to each other that we could play for each other," said Point Loma head coach Bill Carr. "I am proud of the way they bounced back and got the job done tonight."
 
After the game, coach Bill Carr was happy with the victory but also saw room for growth from his team.
 
"We learned we have a lot of room for improvement," said Carr," but if we are dedicated to getting better we could have a great year.
 
"We have to get better on defense," he explained. "We have to guard as a group, rebound better and commit on the defensive end."
 
The Sea Lions will return home for a three-game homestand starting with Cal Poly Pomona on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m., before facing Cal State East Bay at Homecoming on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 8:00 p.m.