SAN DIEGO – After a tough loss at Fresno Pacific on Monday afternoon, the Sea Lions were able to grind out an overtime win against Cal State East Bay on Wednesday. It was a tight game throughout as no team had more than a one-point advantage in any quarter. No team had more than a six-point advantage throughout the game. 
 
The Pioneers shot 48 percent in the first half but hit none of their long-range attempts, while the Sea Lions shot 40 percent from three in the first half. The teams were tied at the half and both stepped up their defensive presence in the second half, with both teams shooting significantly lower percentages. Cal State East Bay led for the majority of the fourth quarter, but were never able to separate themselves from Point Loma. 
 
The Sea Lions trailed by five with less than a minute and a half remaining and Carol Schroeder cut into the lead with a layup while also drawing the foul. A Pioneer drew a technical as well giving the Sea Lions technical free throws for three chances at the line. Sydney Peterson hit the two technical free throws and Schroeder connected on her attempt to tie the game and PLNU was able to hold on to force overtime. 
 
Cara Liggins scored four of the six overtime points to help Point Loma secure the win and totaled 13 points and seven rebounds on the day. Peterson led the Sea Lions in scoring once again with 19 points while also grabbing seven rebounds. Grace Brady had another solid defensive effort with five blocked shots and three steals. Yuendie Guridi also scored in double digits for PLNU with 11 points, tying her career-high.
 
Team Records
PLNU (3-8, 2-3 PacWest), CSUEB (5-7, 2-4 CCAA) 

Faulkner's Thoughts
On closing out the game: "We had a couple huge offensive rebounds down the stretch, Haylee had one in particular. We had a couple of big time finishes to get us to that point and unfortunately we had to win it in overtime on the defensive end. They were going to have to foul us and we ended up giving it back to them, but we did our job and I'm proud of this group. They have seen a lot of end game situations this season so it was nice to be able to execute and come away with a victory." 

On what the team learned from some of their earlier tough losses: "We have to get to the point where you have a chance to win the game and you need your players to make plays. I say it often that it is not so much about the X's and O's as it is about players getting to the rim and finishing. Carol had a great and-one finish that led to a five-point swing. We made our free throws, we had timeouts so we could discuss things, we were poised and we defended, I felt we did a great job. The experience we got earlier in the season paid off and we have come out on the other side of it."

On executing at the free throw line: "We were aggressive, coming off of ball screens, getting to the paint and we were really causing them to fouls us. Defensively, we kept people in front of us and kept our hands up. We took advantage of getting to the free throw line, we had struggled there in previous games, and it was great to see our success there." 

On the momentum the win gives heading into the break: "We talked about us building momentum into break and getting back to conference play. I thought we played our two best basketball games this season on this trip. Unfortunately we came up a little bit short in Fresno, but today we were able to grind out a tough one on the road. I keep telling them that we are doing too many things right for us to not start winning games and that there is gonna be a tipping point, hopefully this is that point. We can see more positives than negatives throughout the course of the game and we finally got the result we deserved for it. Now, they get a break, some time with their families and hopefully we are ready for conference play when we get back and keep looking forward."

News and Notes
> Peterson has hit 21-straight free throws.
> Haylee Saurette is shooting .500 from three-point range. 
> After starting the season struggling at the free throw line, the Sea Lions have shot .900 or better at the line in three of their last four games.
> This was the first win for the Sea Lions when they had a negative rebound margin. 
> Point Loma was +12 at the free throw line, and had 18 attempts to the Pioneers six attempts.
> East Bay's Savannah McGill led her team with 18 points and 22 rebounds.

Up Next
The Sea Lions have 10 days off before their next game when they host Holy Names on Dec. 29 at 2 p.m. to continue conference play.