SAN DIEGO - Josh Rodriguez scored 22 points and Chad Watkins came off the bench with a career-high 16 points to keep the Point Loma men's basketball team in the game but the Vulcans' Nate Walker had a triple-double and Hawaii Hilo put together a timely 19-3 run late in the second half to earn the 83-68 victory.
 
The game was critical for both teams in the race for the final two PacWest playoff spots. Currently six teams are vying for the final two spots. Hawaii Hilo (9-14, 9-10 PacWest) is now a half-game up on PLNU (13-12, 8-10 PacWest) as a result of tonight's decision. Both teams are trailing BYU-Hawaii (10-8 PacWest), and Fresno Pacific (9-9) and Chaminade (9-9)for the final two playoff spots.
 
Rodriguez notched his eight game with 20 or more points this season as he went 9-of-14 from the field and 3-of-6 from long range. He also added six rebounds and eight assists. Watkins came off the bench and made 6-of-9 shots, including a career-best three 3-pointers. Mike Planeta posted 12 points and Zach Burnham led the team with seven rebounds.
 
The Sea Lions were doubled up on the glass 46-22. Nate Walker came off the bench for UHH to record the first triple-double in Hawaii Hilo history with 26 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists. He went 13-of-23 from the field and had seven offensive rebounds to help the Vulcans outscore PLNU 28-3 on second chance points. Ryan Reyes also came off the bench and shot a perfect 7-of-7 for 15 points.
 
PLNU trailed 29-28 at the half and the two teams traded baskets in the second half before UHH went on a 19-3 run which started at 13:17 and extended over six minutes. PLNU never got the lead below single-digits after that.
 
The Sea Lions will continue their road trip on Thursday, Feb. 25 at Hawaii Pacific. The game will tip off at 8:30 p.m. (PST).