IRVINE, Calif. – Point Loma was coming off of a three-game losing streak heading into Thursday night's matchup with the third-place Eagles of Concordia University. The Sea Lions had dropped their first meeting with CUI on January 3, 78-70, and looked to get a much needed conference win. A breakout game from Sydney Peterson helped lead the team to a big 76-60 win over the Eagles.

The game developed slowly for PLNU as they only managed eight points in the first quarter, but solid defense kept the game within reach as Concordia only managed to put 12 points on the board. Defense would remain the theme of the first half as they held the Eagles to nine second quarter points, 21 in the half, and took a 28-21 lead into the half-time break. Both teams found their offense in the second half but it was Peterson who made the difference offensively for the Sea Lions. She scored 20 of her 30 points in the second half, including going 8-for-8 from the free throw line to help seal the game. The team put up 32 points in the final quarter to put the game out of reach and secure the win. 

Other than Peterson, the Sea Lions had double-digit scoring efforts from three other players, Cara Liggins (15), Roya Rustamzada (13), and Grace Brady (10). Liggins hit some clutch shots for PLNU including one of two big three-pointers in their 10-0 run in the fourth quarter, she also added five rebounds, a block, and a steal. Brady registered her fifth straight game with at least four blocks, she tallied five for the game. Rustamzada contributed in several categories including leading the team with six assists. 
 
Team Records
Point Loma (10-8, 5-6 PacWest), Concordia Irvine (9-7, 6-4 PacWest)
 
PacWest Implications
The Sea Lions snap a three-game losing skid in conference play and split the season series with the Eagles, moving to 5-6 in conference play. The Eagles fall from third to fourth place in the conference standing with a record of 6-4 after tonight's loss.  
 
The Turning Point
The Sea Lions held a six-point lead going into the fourth quarter, the Eagles were able to cut that lead to two before Point Loma went on a 10-0 run to put the game out of reach.  

Thoughts from Coach Faulkner
On getting a great team defensive effort: "We have been getting better and better on the defensive end and tonight we played great defense. Grace was amazing, the stats have her for 5 blocks but I feel she may have had more."

On Peterson's career night: "Sydney did a good job of playing great defense and then being aggressive on the offensive end. We moved the ball well and worked together which allowed her to get open looks."

On using this momentum heading into Saturday's game: "Everyday is a chance for us to get better and we are doing that. APU is a great rivalry game so I am excited for us to play them on Saturday. We will need that same defense energy and effort."

News and Notes
> Grace Brady earned the first double-double of her career with 10 points and 12 rebounds to go along with five blocks and four steals.
> Sydney Peterson had her best shooting game of the season going 47 percent from the field and 40 percent from three.
> While Rustamzada had a relatively quiet night she posted a solid line of 13 points, six assists, five rebounds, three blocks, and two steals. 
> The Eagles out-rebounded the Sea Lions 43-39, the Eagles grabbed four more offensive rebounds than PLNU.
> Point Loma drilled 43 percent of their three-point attempts against the league-leading three-point field goal defense. 
> Point Loma held Concordia to just 33 percent shooting, including only 24 percent from behind the arc. 
> The Sea Lions registered 10 blocked shots for the game. 

Up Next
The Sea Lions will be back in Golden Gym on Saturday when they take on PacWest rival Azusa Pacific at 2 p.m. PLNU will be hosting their ALS Awareness Day on Saturday honoring those who are currently suffering from the disease and those who have lost their battle with it.