HILO, Hawaii – Defense has been the theme for the Sea Lions of late, winning three of their last four contests and holding their opponents to 60 points or less in those wins. After holding Chaminade to only 52 points on Thursday, Point Loma was at it once again setting a new low for points allowed as the Vulcans managed to score only 50 points in the game. PLNU got off to a slow start offensively but they found ways to turn their defense into offensive opportunities including 17 points off of 13 Hilo turnovers.
After a poor shooting performance in the first half the Sea Lions came out firing in the second half. The team shot 51.6% from the field in the half including 50% from three-point range, draining eight of their 10 threes in the second half. Even though it seemed that the Sea Lions had this game in control from the first tip, it was this offensive output that put the game away.
Stephanie Williams collected her first career double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds to go along with four assists, a block, and a steal.
Roya Rustamzada led the Sea Lions in scoring with 18 points on an efficient 7-of-11 from the field, including 2-of-4 from long range.
Sydney Peterson and
Cara Liggins each added 13 points for Point Loma while
Grace Brady scored nine and grabbed seven boards despite dealing with foul trouble.
Team Records
Point Loma (12-9, 7-7 PacWest), Hawaii Hilo (6-7,4-6 PacWest)
PacWest Implications
The Sea Lions are now tied for fifth place with Fresno Pacific who also sits at 7-7 in conference play, if Point Loma can win out on the season they would have a solid chance to get into the conference tournament. The Vulcans are now at 4-6 in conference play and still have a tough slate of games remaining, including a six-game stretch on the road.
The Turning Point
The Sea Lions had a six-point lead at the end of the first quarter, but it was a burst of scoring from the freshman duo of
Sydney Peterson and
Cara Liggins who helped push their lead to double digits before halftime to put the game out of reach for the Vulcans.
Thoughts from Coach Faulkner
On having their lowest number of turnovers on the season: "We made really good decisions today and didn't force anything, that led to a high assist low turnover game."
On their defense holding Hilo to 50 points: "Our defense has been very solid and today we did a great job of defending ball screens and making them take contested shots."
On Williams' solid performance: "Steph played great. Her senior leadership has been huge all year. I know she is someone I can count on every game to defend the best player and make smart plays on offense."
News and Notes
> The Sea Lions have held their previous two opponents to less the 26% shooting from the field, and less than 17% shooting from three-point range.
> Point Loma moves to 6-2 all-time against Hawaii Hilo.
> This was Williams' first career double-double, she tied her career-high in points at 14 and set a career-high for rebounds with 12.
> PLNU dished out 16 assists compared with only 5 turnovers for the game.
> The Vulcans went 21-of-27 from the free-throw line, the Sea Lions would make 10 in 12 trips to the line.
Up Next
Point Loma will have a full week before their next contest when they host Academy of Art in Golden Gym on Feb. 3 at 2 p.m.
