AZUSA, Calif. - It was a seesaw game Monday night at the Felix Event Center, but unfortunately for the Point Loma men's basketball team it would be Azusa Pacific that would get the final push to prevail 81-74. (Jan. 16)
 
The loss snapped a five-game winning streak for PLNU (10-7), but the Sea Lions remain fifth in the PacWest standings with a 6-4 conference mark. APU pulled to .500 in both the PacWest (5-5) and on the season (10-10) with the win.
 
In a game that featured 14 lead changes and eight ties, it all came down to the final few minutes. PLNU erased a 10-point APU lead midway through the second half with an 18-4 run to take a four-point lead (73-69) on a 3-pointer by Sterling Somers with 2:06 remaining.  It was then Azusa Pacific's turn to hit its run and in turn break the Sea Lions' hearts.
 
After three free throws pulled the Cougars within one (73-72), Justin Byrd put APU in front for good with a fast break layup off a steal. A missed layup by Point Loma on the next possession and a 3-pointer from Joey Schreiber extended the lead to four (77-73). The Cougars dashed any attempt at a Sea Lion comeback by hitting all four of their free throws in the final 28 seconds.
 
That edge from the charity stripe proved to be the difference in the game as Azusa Pacific was able to make more free throws (13-of-19) than Point Loma attempted (7-of-12).
 
Vince Boumann recorded his seventh double-double of the season with 19 points and a season-high 15 rebounds for Point Loma. He was 8-of-15 from the field. Three other Sea Lions also reached double-figures. Josh Rodriguez had 12 points to go along with five points and six assists. Tanner Lancona added 12 points and three assists. Sterling Somers pulled down seven rebounds to go along with his 10 points. Birthday-boy Yusuf Shehata was a perfect 3-for-3 from 3-point for his nine points. PLNU did shoot very well from the perimeter, hitting 11-of-23 shots from 3-point range, including seven in the first half.
 
Schreiber had game-high 23 points and 10 rebounds for Azusa Pacific. Corey Langerveld added 18 points and Petar Kutlesic chipped in with 15. APU shot 50 percent from the field in the game (30-of-60).
 
Point Loma will return home to host Concordia (CA) on Saturday, Jan 21 at 4 p.m.