MONMOUTH, Ore. - Josh Rodriguez's time-expiring layup bounced off the backboard and the rim but did not fall and the Point Loma men's basketball team's comeback attempt fell just short to drop its opening contest at the PacWest/GNAC Conference Challenge to Western Oregon, 70-69, on Friday. (Nov. 10)
 
Preston Beverly had his best night as a member of the Sea Lions posting a game-high 24 points on 8-of-16 shooting from the field and 6-of-6 at the free line. He added nine rebounds to narrowly miss the double-double. Tanner Nelson made his PLNU debut and registered 15 points, with three 3-point baskets, and six rebounds. Sterling Somers also reached double figures with 10 points and Josh Rodriguez added seven assists. Darius Luborn led Western Oregon with 19 points on 8-of-12 shooting off the bench.
 
For the third game in a row, Point Loma jumped out early only to see its lead chipped away. PLNU led 30-22 with 2:44 left in the first half but WOU countered with a 42-14 run that stretched to 8:16 remaining in the second half. But the Sea Lions did not quit. They outscored Western Oregon 26-4 over the next eight minutes to cut it to one with seven seconds remaining.
 
PLNU got the break it needed for its chance to complete the comeback when Luborn's frontend of a 1-and-1 free throw missed and Tanner Nelson got the rebound. He quickly got the ball to Rodriguez who drove towards the hoop with his right hand. Two defenders converged on him as he released the ball but his shot fell harmlessly off the rim as the buzzer sounded.
 
Team Records
Western Oregon (1-0), Point Loma (1-2)
 
The Turning Point
Western Oregon took control of the game with a 20-5 run over the first seven minutes of the second half. Over this stretch Point Loma was 0-for-6 from the 3-point line and committed four turnovers.
 
Words from Coach Looney
Coach Looney was not available for comment at the time of this release
 
News and Notes
> The two losses this season for Point Loma have come by a combined four points
> Western Oregon has won three straight over the Sea Lions
> PLNU outrebounded WOU 45-34
> Western Oregon's bench outscored Point Loma's 34-5
> The Sea Lions outscored the Wolves at the free throw line 19-3
 
Up Next
The Point Loma men's basketball team will conclude its play in the PacWest/GNAC Conference Challenge on Saturday, Nov. 11 with a contest against Saint Martin's beginning at 5 p.m.