PLNU Athletics

MONMOUTH, Ore. - Sterling Somers and Josh Rodriguez each scored 20 points to lead the Point Loma men's basketball team to an 85-77 victory over Saint Martin's in the PacWest/GNAC Conference Challenge on Saturday, Nov. 11.
 
Rodriguez was 5-of-11 from the field and a perfect 10-of-10 at the free throw line. He also registered a game-high six assists. Somers knocked down four 3-pointers en route to posting his season-high. Preston Beverly added 12 points, five rebounds and two steals.
 
Point Loma built a 10-point lead in the first half only to see it cut to three at the half (41-38). SMU fought all the way back and took the lead early in the second half. The teams traded baskets until it was PLNU's lead at 71-70 with 5:11 remaining. The Sea Lions then went on a 7-0 run and hit 5-of-6 free throws in last 35 seconds to preserve the win.
 
Team Records
Point Loma (2-2), Saint Martin's (1-1)
 
The Turning Point
After Point Loma had the early lead, three of the five starters ran into foul trouble which allowed the Saints to put together a 15-2 run and take their largest lead of the game at 36-29 with 3:56 left in the first half. PLNU head coach Ryan Looney then made the decision to put Tanner Nelson, Preston Beverly and Ziggy Satterthwaite back in the game and the Sea Lions went on a 10-0 run to close the period and take the lead at halftime (41-38).
 
Words from Coach Looney
On his team: "Our group is still learning how to play together. It has not been easy with our schedule to open the season. Our opponents in all four games have been very good, and if we just make a couple better decisions along the way we could be 4-0."
 
On Rodriguez: "I thought Josh Rodriguez finally played unselfishly and to the ability level he is capable of. That alone made the offense easier for everyone. His greatest strength is his ability to pass, and today he did that by getting many open looks for our guys."
 
On the rebounding advantage: "Rebounding is something we preach every day on both ends of the floor. This year we have gone through a lot of stretches when our offense has struggled but the thing that has allowed us to be competitive in every game is our ability to rebound."
 
News and Notes
> Point Loma outrebounded SMU 37-23 and outscored them on second-chance points 15-2
> After its 21-for-23 effort at the free throw line tonight, PLNU is now shooting .787 percent from the charity stripe this season
> Yusuf Shehata scored nine points on three 3-pointers in just seven minutes of play
> PLNU had assists on just 10 of its 28 baskets
> This was career win No. 278 for head coach Ryan Looney
 
Up Next
The Point Loma men's basketball team will host crosstown rival UC San Diego in its home opener on Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m. This will also be military appreciation night and member of the Wounded Warrior Project will be in attendance.