AZUSA, Calif. - Azusa Pacific held off a late run by the Sea Lions to spoil the PacWest Conference opener for the Point Loma men's basketball team, 66-55, on Saturday, Dec. 2.
 
After trailing by 11 at the 2:21 mark, PLNU fought back to cut the Cougars' lead to four (59-55) when Josh Rodriguez was fouled on a driving layup with just over a minute remaining. Even after Rodriguez's free throw attempt rolled off the rim the momentum all seemed to be on the Sea Lions' side. They posted a strong defensive possession, but with the shot clock running down and 33 seconds on the game clock, Corey Langerveld knocked down a deep 3-pointer with a hand in his face to extend APU's lead to 62-55 and effectively seal the game.
 
Skyler White led the Sea Lions. The senior and reigning PacWest Defender of the Week came off the bench to post his first career double-double with 11 points and a career-high 13 rebounds in just 21 minutes. Ziggy Satterthwaite scored 10 of his 12 points in the second half as he went 5-of-6 from the field. Four student-athletes reached double-figures for APU. Langerveld led the way with 17 points. Petar Kutlesic added a double-double of his own with 15 points and 14 boards.
 
Team Records
Point Loma (6-4, 0-1 PacWest), Azusa Pacific (5-4, 2-0 PacWest)
 
The Turning Point
Azusa Pacific's 10-0 run over a four-minute stretch towards the end of the first half gave the Cougars' a comfortable lead and Point Loma was never to go in front. PLNU's 1-for-10 performance from 3-point range in the first half was also critical in the final outcome.  
 
Words from Coach Looney
On APU: " They were more prepared and were better team tonight. They played with more toughness in every phase of the game."
 
On Sea Lions' 3-point shooting: "This has been a repetitive thing for us all year long. Guys are going to have to find a way, individually, to get themselves in the gym more. We as coaches also need to motivate our guys to always be shooting game-like shots in practice."
 
On areas of improvement: "Right now our habits are not allowing us to compete in games against good teams. Every day we get together, every moment needs to be approached the right way."
 
News and Notes
> The loss snaps a four-game winning streak for the Sea Lions
> The 55 points are a season-low
> Point Loma has won the rebounding battle in all 10 games this season
> Azusa Pacific turned the ball over just three times in the game, and none in the second half (Point Loma had 15)
> PLNU finished the game just 3-of-16 from 3-point range
> APU outscored PLNU 19-2 in points off turnovers
 
Up Next
The Point Loma men's basketball team will not play again until next Saturday, Dec. 9 when it travels to California Baptist to face the Lancers at 7 p.m. This will be the second of a five-game road swing for the Sea Lions.