FRESNO, Calif. – Coming off of a big comeback win over California Baptist on Saturday, the Sea Lions faced a tough road trip to take on Fresno Pacific. Point Loma was short a key player once again after an injury to freshman Grace Brady. The Sea Lions would fall behind early and were unable to come back for the win. The Sunbirds led wire-to-wire despite a late push from PLNU. Point Loma was able to cut the lead to four late but were unable to make the stops necessary to get the win. 

Roya Rustamzada led all scorers with 26 points and just missed a double-double with nine rebounds, she also added three steals, three assists, and two blocks. Cara Liggins had a great game notching her first carer double-double, 18 points and 10 rebounds. Sydney Peterson added 13 points as the only other double-digit scorer for the Sea Lions, she also dished out four assists. 
 
Team Records
Point Loma (9-6, 4-4 PacWest), Fresno Pacific (7-10, 5-4 PacWest)
 
PacWest Implications
PLNU fell to .500 in conference play dropping to the middle of the conference standings. The Sunbirds are now 5-4 in conference, rebounding after losing their previous two conference matchups. 
 
The Turning Point
The Sunbirds went on a 15-0 run between the first and second quarters that gave them their largest lead of the game at 18, which proved too much for PLNU to overcome. 

Thoughts from Coach Faulkner
On getting behind early: "We ran out of gas. It has been a theme that we have gotten behind early and their pressure got us on our heels in the first half. When we have to spend so much energy just to get back in the game it makes it really tough to make that final push to get over the top."

On adjusting to another lineup change: "It seems like every week we have dealt with a new adversity. Our girls are battling really hard and trying to adjust but not having Grace hurt us. We are playing really hard it is just a matter of us getting better everyday and staying positive with each other."

On preparing for two more games this week: "It will be great to be back at home for the rest of the week. We need to prepare well for Biola and take care of our bodies. I have all the confidence in the world that we are continuing to get better everyday." 

News and Notes
> With her stats this season Rustamzada now ranks in the top-ten in PLNU history for points, rebounds, blocks, and steals.
> This was the first FPU win over the Sea Lions since the 2014-15 season. 
> After a game where their bench scored 27 points, PLNU only had five points come from bench players. 
> Cassie Pisik led the Sunbirds with 16 points and 15 rebounds. 

Up Next
The Sea Lions are back at home on Thursday and Saturday to continue PacWest play. PLNU hosts Biola on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. before hosting the Sharks of Hawaii Pacific on Saturday at 2 p.m. in a game broadcasted on ESPN 3.