SAN FRANCISCO – The Point Loma men's basketball team score nearly one-third of their points from the free throw line to overcome slow starts in both halves and escape Academy of Art with a 54-51 win in its PacWest Conference opener. (Nov. 29)
 
The Sea Lions scored just four points in the first eight minutes of game and only scored two points in the first 9:19 of the second half, but both times they were able to rally back to hold the lead when the clock hit zeroes. In the first half, PLNU closed out the period with a 20-6 run to lead 30-23 at the break. The Sea Lions made four of their final five shots of the half, but it would be a long time till they would see the ball go through the net again.
 
In the second half, Point Loma came out cold. They missed seven of their first eight shots and had six turnovers in the opening nine minutes of the half. This allowed the Urban Knights to overcome their halftime deficit and take a 36-32 lead, thanks to a 13-2 run to open the second half. A layup by Kaden Anderson and a 3-pointer by Sterling Somers eventually broke the Urban Knights' run.
 
The teams would trade baskets over the next three minutes until Tanner Nelson hit a 3-pointer from the corner with 6:44 remaining to put PLNU up 44-43. This would be the Sea Lions' last field goal of the night, as they would finish the game from the free throw line.
 
After a pair of free throws by Daulton Hommes extended PLNU's lead to 48-45 with 4:36 left, the Urban Knights responded with two free throws and a layup to go on top 49-48. Somers would tie the game moments later on a free throw and after a defensive stop by the Sea Lions, Hommes grabbed the rebound and was fouled to go back to the line.
 
He made both free throws there and added another one two possessions later, to extend the lead to three. PLNU fouled ART U on the next possession rather than give up a 3-pointer. The Urban Knights made both free throws this time, but after Josh Rodriguez converted two more free throws on the Sea Lions' next possession, ART U missed the first of two free throws, down 54-51 with 1.7 seconds left, ending the Urban Knights' hopes for a miracle finish.
 
Point Loma went 10-of-12 from the free throw line in the final 6:16 to overcome a .222 percent (4-of-18) second-half shooting percentage.
 
Hommes led the Sea Lions with a game-high 16 points. Ziggy Satterthwaite added nine points and eight boards. Cameron Niven paced the Urban Knights with 10 points and eight rebounds.
 
Team Records
Point Loma (5-2, 1-0 PacWest), Academy of Art (0-6, 0-1 PacWest)
 
The Turning Point
The Sea Lions' ability to convert from the free throw line down the stretch sealed the road victory. PLNU was 10-of-12 from the charity stripe in the final 6:16.
 
Words from coach Looney
On the slow starts: "That has been a regular theme for us this year. We need to get the first 5 more unified or maybe make a change to it."
 
On converting from free throw line: "That was the only thing we did well on offense tonight. We really struggled with what they were doing against us defensively but we were fortunate that when we could get to the free throw line we could make them."
 
On first road test of the year: "As the preseason favorites in the league we are going to get everyone's best shot, and I don't think we stepped up to that billing tonight."
 
On next game against Dominican: "We have to turn the page from tonight, regardless of how we thought we played. We just have to turn the page and get ready for what will be a pretty good Dominican team." 
 
News and Notes
> The 54 points is the lowest in a victory for the Sea Lions since Ryan Looney took over as head coach (2016-17)
> PLNU lost the rebounding battle for the second time this season (32-28)
> The 19 made field goals for ART U is the lowest PLNU has allowed since giving up just 18 to Hawaii Hilo last year
> Point Loma made just four field goals in the second half, and 17 in the game
> This was PLNU's ninth straight win over Academy of Art
 
Up Next
The Point Loma men's basketball team will continue its road trip with another PacWest Conference game on Saturday, Dec. 1 against Dominican. The game will tip-off at 7:30 p.m., in San Rafael, Calif.