OAKLAND, Calif. - The Point Loma women's basketball team wrapped up the No. 4 seed in the upcoming PacWest Conference Championships with an 81-58 win at Holy Names in the regular season finale. (Feb. 29)
 
Cara Liggins went 7-of-13 from the field to lead all scorers with 17 points. She added seven rebounds and two steals. Onjalise Carley-Hilliard scored 13 points and pulled down 12 rebounds to register her third double-double in her five games. The senior forward helped set the tone offensively as she pulled down nine offensive rebounds and went 7-of-8 at the free throw line. The Sea Lions would go on to outscore the Hawks 27-10 on second-chance points and by five from the free throw line (15-10).
 
Point Loma also got help from Isabel Turk who dished out a team-leading four assists to go along with her 13 points. Kennedi Byram came off the to 10 points, while Haylee Saurette and Alix Henderson chipped in with 8 and 9 points, respectively.
 
The Sea Lions never trailed in the game. They went ahead 19-14 at the end of the first quarter and led by as many as 14 (33-19) in the second quarter.  PLNU then carried a 12-point lead (59-47) into the fourth and before extending it to 23, the final margin of victory.
 
Team Records
Point Loma (18-10, 14-8 PacWest), Holy Names (1-25, 1-21 PacWest)
 
PacWest Implications
The win moves PLNU into a tie with Biola for fourth place in the PacWest final standings. The Sea Lions and Eagles split their two games in the regular season but Point Loma will receive the tiebreaker for the No. 4 seed based on their win over Azusa Pacific.
 
Turning Point
The Sea Lions' effort on the glass was too much for Holy Names. Point Loma outrebounded the Hawks 40-24, including 19-9 on the offensive end. This allowed PLNU to overcome some poor shooting early and outscore HNU 27-10 on second-chance points.
 
Words from coach Lisa Faulkner
On the team's effort rebounding and getting to the free throw line: "One of our big points of emphasis is making effort plays. Crashing the offensive glass is one way to show effort so that was nice to see. We also want to be aggressive and get to the paint. We attacked the basket well which allowed us to get to the free throw line."
 
On the scoring depth in today's game: "We have lots of scoring options. I think our depth has been a strength and will be much needed in a tournament format."
 
On how the team entering postseason play: "We are excited for postseason play. We had a solid regular season but I think our team knows we are capable of playing at a high-level. We have lots of players with conference tournament and we know that we need to keep winning in order for our season to continue so we are excited to get to compete."
 
News and Notes
> Carley Hilliard has four double-doubles this season
> Liggins has scored in double-figures in 15 of the last 16 games
> PLNU has won 10 straight games against Holy Names
> Coach Falkner has posted at least a .600 winning percentage in conference play in all four seasons with the Sea Lions
 
Next Game
Point Loma will play Biola (18-10, 14-8 PacWest) in the first round of the PacWest Tournament on Thursday, Mar. 5. The game will tip-off at 2:45 p.m.