SAN DIEGO – After weathering through a grinding first half, the Point Loma men's basketball team exploded with 56 points in the second half and cruised to an 82-54 win over Biola in its PacWest home opener. (Dec. 5)
 
Twelve Sea Lions got in the scoring column. Daulton Hommes led the way with 18 points. Ben Okhotin hit four 3-pointers to post a career-high with 12 points. He also added three blocks. Preston Beverly scored nine of PLNU's 26 points in the first half to help carry a Sea Lions offense that struggled early from the field.
 
Point Loma led just 26-23 at halftime after both teams shot under .400 percent in the first half; but the second half was a completely different story. PLNU went on a 14-3 run early in the half to push its lead into double figures. The defense also stepped it up. Point Loma held Biola to .360 percent shooting in the second half and only two Eagles reached double figures.
 
Team Records
Point Loma (7-2, 3-0 PacWest), Biola (6-3, 2-1 PacWest)
 
PacWest Implications
The win puts Point Loma in a tie with Concordia atop the PacWest standings. Both teams are currently 3-0 in league play. Biola drops to 2-1 in the PacWest.
 
The Turning Point
The 14-3 run early in the second half gave PLNU a comfortable lead but the Sea Lions sealed the win with a 17-5 run in the middle of the second half. Ben Okhotin hit two 3-pointers in the run and the Sea Lions were able to get runouts for multiple fast-break baskets.
 
Words from coach Looney and the student-athletes


News and Notes
> Jack Hutchison and Zac Bulgin each scored their first career baskets
> This was the fourth time in nine games that PLNU has hit 10 or more 3-pointers in a game
> The 3-0 PacWest start for PLNU is its best under coach Looney
> Hommes did not hit any of Point Loma's 10 3-pointers after coming into the contest leading PLNU with 23 made 3-pointers
> PLNU is now 3-0 all-time against Biola in PacWest play

Up Next
The Point Loma men's basketball team will be home again on Saturday, Dec. 8 to host Azusa Pacific at 4 p.m.