SAN DIEGO – Noah Stapes' 3-pointer highlighted a 12-2 run by the Point Loma men's basketball team in the final three minutes of the game as the Sea Lions came from behind against Biola to earn an 81-78 and take over first place in the PacWest standings.
 
After leading for much of the contest, the Sea Lions found themselves down 74-69 with 3:37 remaining in the game following a 9-0 run by the Eagles. However, PLNU did not panic en route to putting together their second last-minute comeback win of the season. A pair of free throws by Sterling Somers brought it back to a one-possession game at 74-71 with 3:19 left. Following a turnover by Biola, the Sea Lions called a play for Stapes and Darnell Robateau found him coming off a screen on the left wing for the game-tying 3-pointer with 2:41 remaining.
 
That shot brought all the momentum to the Sea Lions' sideline, and they used it to dominate both ends of the court down the stretch. They held the Eagles to just 1-of-3 shooting during the run, and forced them into two turnovers. Meanwhile, PLNU scored on each of its final five possessions. Robateau sealed the victory as he stole the ball with 12 seconds left and proceeded to hit both free throws.
 
Kaden Anderson and Jordan May each scored 16 points to lead the Sea Lions. Sterling Somers chipped in 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting, to go along with six rebounds. Robateau had 12 points to go along with his career-high nine assists. Jesse Elrod paced Biola with 22 points on 7-of-12 shooting.
 
Team Records
Point Loma (8-2, 4-0 PacWest), Biola (7-3, 3-1 PacWest)
 
PacWest Implications
PLNU now sits in sole possession of first place with a 4-0 record. The Sea Lions are one of just four teams remaining unbeaten in PacWest play. The loss drops Biola to fifth place.
 
Words from coach Matt Logie and the student-athletes

 News and Notes
> PLNU was 0-for-11 on 3-pointers in the second half before Stapes made the game-tying shot
> This was the first win for Point Loma this season in which it lost the rebounding battle
> PLNU matched a season-low with seven turnovers
> This is the second straight season PLNU has opened PacWest play at 4-0 (14-0 in 2018-19)
> The last two opponents have both taken more free throws than the Sea Lions after it had not happened all season
> Point Loma has now shot .500 percent for better in five straight games

Up Next
PLNU will be on a competition hiatus this week due to finals at the university. The Sea Lions be back on the court on Saturday, Dec. 21 at Azusa Pacific (7-3, 2-2 PacWest). The game will tip at 4 p.m.