SAN DIEGO - When Josh Rodriguez's 3-pointer with just over a second left fell short of the rim, all hope looked lost for the Point Loma men's basketball team against No. 15 UC San Diego, then Sterling Somers sprinted into the picture. The junior forward grabbed the air ball and put-back a reverse layup with 0.3 second left to force overtime, where the Sea Lions prevailed over the Tritons, 75-73. (Nov. 14)
 
Five Sea Lions scored in double-figures, with Ziggy Satterthwaite and Josh Rodriguez leading the way with 15 points apiece. Preston Beverly added a double-double with 11 points and a game-high 12 rebounds. Five of his boards came on the offensive glass as PLNU outrebounded UCSD 49-30, including 20-9 in offensive rebounds. UCSD's Christian Oshita led all scorers with 20 points.
 
Point Loma was on the comeback trail the entire first half after a slow start in which they fell behind 24-11. Daulton Hommes' halfcourt shot before halftime got the momentum and the crowd back on the Sea Lions' side as they went to the locker room down just three (40-37).
 
The Sea Lions would tie the game and take the lead midway through the second half with an 8-0 run. The teams traded baskets from there with the Tritons taking a 64-61 lead into the final three minutes. A Tanner Nelson-free throw cut the lead to two with 2:11 remaining, but neither team would score the rest of regulation until Somers hit the game-tying shot right before time expired.
 
In the extra period, Point Loma took its biggest lead of the game at 69-64 with 2:03 remaining. UCSD would go for a couple quick 3-pointers to try and cut into the lead but each drew iron and the Sea Lions were able to hit 6-of-8 free throws in the final 1:14 to earn the victory.
 
Team Records
Point Loma (2-1), UC San Diego (3-1)
 
The Turning Point
Somers saved the day. Point Loma could have easily dropped the game if it was not for the heads up play from Somers to both get the offensive rebound but to have the court presence to get the shot up before time expired to force overtime.
 
Somers on the play: "Rebounding is our MO, so when I saw Josh (Rodriguez) about to take the shot, I left a little early and luckily I beat my defender to the ball to put it in." 
 
Words from Coach Looney and the student-athletes


News and Notes
> This is the first win for PLNU against UCSD since 2005-06 (lost each of last two year)
> Point Loma turned the ball over a season-low 11 times
> The two teams combined to assist on just 21 of their 57 baskets
> The Sea Lions outscored the Tritons 21-9 on second chance points
> PLNU held Chris Hansen, the reigning CCAA Player of the Week, to six points on just three shots
> Point Loma outscored UCSD at the free throw line by 10
 
Up Next
The Point Loma men's basketball team will continue its early season homestand Saturday, Nov. 17 with its annual Homecoming game. The Sea Lions will host crosstown rival San Diego Christian for an 8 p.m. tip-off.