This week
The Point Loma women's basketball team opens PacWest Conference play at home this week when it hosts Azusa Pacific (Dec. 3) and Dixie State (Dec. 5). PLNU will welcome in APU as part of its inaugural Military Night on Thursday. The game will tipoff at 5:30 p.m. Saturday's contest against the Red Storm will get underway on Saturday at 2:00 p.m.
 
Military Night Thursday
PLNU Athletics will also be hosting its first Military Night of the year on Thursday, Dec. 3. The Sea Lions will be honoring all former and active military members, and their admission to the game is free. The first 500 fans in attendance also will received a free PLNU camo logo t-shirt which will be used as part of the in-game recognition.
 
#BeatAPU returns
While it is not a week like in the fall, PLNU Athletics will still be sponsoring the #BeatAPU theme once again at the upcoming games. In the fall, PLNU hosted #BeatAPU Week, and the Sea Lions went 3-0, including picking up a pair of victories under the lights with the soccer teams in PLNU's first-ever outdoor night game. They will attempt to keep that momentum going on the basketball court this Thursday.
 
Follow along
If you are unable to attend this week's games, or any home games this season, they will all be available for fans to follow on live stats and live video. Live stats will be free of charge while video stream will be $8.95 on a pay-per-view basis. To access both live stats and live video visit plnusealions.com/gameday.
 
A look at the Sea Lions
The Point Loma women's basketball team completed its non-conference schedule at 5-1. Four of their five wins came against schools that played in the 2014-15 NCAA West Regional. That includes a pair of victories over defending CCAA Champion Cal State Dominguez Hills. PLNU opened the year with five straight wins before suffering its first loss of the year to Cal State LA last Saturday (Nov. 28).
 
Sophomore forward Roya Rustamzada is averaging 18.2 points per game to lead four Sea Lions in double-figures. She is also pacing the team with 8.0 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. She has scored in double-figures in five of the six games, and is fourth in the PacWest in scoring. Madison West and Alex Brunk also in the top 10 in the PacWest in scoring. West ranks ninth with PacWest with 15.5 ppg and Brunk is 10th with 15.2 ppg. Brunk is also putting up 6.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.5 steals per game. Sydney Tonack is the other Sea Lion in double-figures with 10.7 ppg.
 
As a team, PLNU is averaging 69.0 ppg and are limiting their opponents to 63.3 ppg. The Sea Lions have shot 41 percent from the field and 36 percent from 3-point range. PLNU has also made as many free throws as their opponent has attempted this season (90). Point Loma is also averaging 4.3 less turnovers than their opponents.
 
A look at the Cougars
Azusa Pacific is 6-2 this season. The Cougars opened up the year with five straight victories before falling to Westmont. APU, just like PLNU, played Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State Dominguez Hills, Cal State LA and Seattle Pacific among other teams during their non-conference schedule. Kelly Hardeman is leading APU in both scoring and rebounding. The preseason PacWest Player of the Year is averaging a double-double with 16.4 ppg and 10.5 rpg. Cydnie Jones (13.6) and Miriam Zabinsky (10.0) are also scoring in double-figures for the Cougars. As a team, Azusa Pacific is averaging 72.0 ppg and are shooting 42 percent from the field.
 
A look at the Red Storm
Dixie State is still in search of its first win of the season after opening the year with five straight losses. Taylor Mann is leading DSU in scoring and rebounding with 13.4 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. Mann is shooting 49 percent from the field and 90 percent at the free throw line. She is the only member of the Red Storm in double-figures. As a team, Dixie State is averaging 60.0 ppg, but is allowing 79.6 ppg. They are also being outrebounded by seven boards per game.
 
Next week
The Sea Lions will continue PacWest play against the league's newest member, Concordia (CA) on Saturday, Dec. 12. at 5:30 p.m.