SAN DIEGO – The Sea Lions' defense smothered the Silverswords for 40 minutes to lead the Point Loma women's basketball team to a 75-42 win on Monday, Feb. 10.
PLNU limited Chaminade to a .237 shooting percentage, including just .174 percent from 3-point range. The Silverswords scored just 21 points in each half, and their point guard, Destiny Castro, had half their points (21).
The Sea Lions built a five-point lead after the first quarter (16-11), and a 19-point lead at halftime (40-21). PLNU would add to its lead by outscoring Chaminade 35-21 in the second half and cruise to the 75-42 win.
Cara Liggins led PLNU with 21 points and 10 rebounds for her sixth double-double of the season. She hit 5-of-7 from behind the arc and went 7-of-10 from the field overall.
Haylee Saurette came off the bench to score 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting (3-of-6 on 3-pointers).
Onjalise Carley-Hilliard added 13 points and
Carol Schroeder had nine.
Team Records
Point Loma (14-8, 10-6 PacWest), Chaminade (4-19, 4-13 PacWest)
PacWest Implications
The win keeps Point Loma in line for the fifth seed in the upcoming PacWest Tournament (Mar. 5-7). The Sea Lions currently hold a half-game lead on Fresno Pacific for the No. 5 seed. However, PLNU is not currently in danger of falling out of the top 6 spots in the conference, as they hold a 4.5-game lead over two teams tied for seventh in the standings.
The Turning Point
Chaminade hung around in the first quarter and cut it to five points (20-15) with 7:28 left in the second quarter. Point Loma would then go on a 20-6 run to close out the half with a 19-point lead. CUH never cut their deficit below 15 points again.
Words from coach Lisa Faulkner and the student-athletes
News and Notes
> This was the fifth time this season PLNU has held an opponent below 47 points
> PLNU outscored Chaminade in the paint 38-14 and 20-4 on fast breaks
> Saurette's top two scoring games this season have come against Chaminade (20 and 24 points)
> Point Loma improved to 11-0 all-time against Chaminade
Next Game
Point Loma will return to the court on Saturday, Feb. 15 against Fresno Pacific, who trails the Sea Lions by just a half-game in the PacWest standings. The game will begin at 2 p.m.
