IRVINE, Calif. - The Point Loma women's basketball team had the chance to defeat ranked opponents in three straight games for the first time since joining NCAA Division II, but a late run by No. 25 Concordia spoiled that opportunity, and the Sea Lions fell on the road 72-69.
 
PLNU looked like it might be in position to pull the upset on back-to-back nights against the Eagles after it overcame deficits in the third and fourth quarters. Then Isabel Turk's driving layup along the baseline put the Sea Lions up four (69-65) with just under a minute left but it was the Eagles answered back by scoring the final seven points of the game to earn the win at home.  
 
After Turk's layup, Concordia quickly cut Point Loma's lead back to two on a jumper, and then it got a stop on the defensive end. On the proceeding possession, the Eagles managed to free Michaela Vanderklugt for an open 3-pointer at the top of the key and she knocked down the shot to put Concordia in front 70-69 with 17 seconds remaining.
 
Coach Lisa Faulkner called a play for freshman Ellie Turk who got all the way to the rim on a drive but Vanderklugt was there to block her shot. The Sea Lions immediately fouled Vanderklugt and she sank both her free throws. Following a timeout with seven seconds remaining, PLNU  inbounded the ball at half court, and Point Loma still had a chance to tie the game with a 3-pointer. The Sea Lions tried to get Cara Liggins open beyond the arc but the Eagles denied the ball and forced her into a tough shot from long range.
 
Kennedi Byram led all Sea Lion scorers with a career-best 20 points. She went 8-of-11 from the field and 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. Cara Liggins posted a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Isabel Turk added a season-best 10 points. Vanderklugt led Concordia with 27 points, while Kennedy Fulcher had a double-double of her own with 12 points and 17 rebounds.
 
Team Records
Point Loma (2-1, 1-1 PacWest), #25 Concordia (2-2, 1-1 PacWest)
 
Turning Point
The game was back and forth for all 40 minutes with 11 ties and 12 lead changes. It was not until the final minute of the game that the outcome was decided on the timely 7-0 spurt by the Eagles.
 
Words from coach Lisa Faulkner
On Byram's performance: "Kennedi played great. Much like Haylee (Saurette), I believe she is finding her confidence. She is such a great shooter but I was super impressed with her attacking the rim and finishing with contact."
 
On the difference down the stretch tonight: "Unfortunately we missed some free throws and didn't get the defensive stops we needed down the stretch today. Give Concordia credit. They made big plays."
 
On the challenges of playing back-to-back against the same opponent: "It's really different from what we are used to. So as coaches we will need to be mindful of how we train and the importance of getting our legs ready for the second day of the back to back. I think we will adjust. We have great depth and I only see us going an upward trajectory throughout this short season."
 
News and Notes
> All three games for the Sea Lions have been decided by five points or less
> Byram's previous career-high was 16 points which she did twice last season
> Liggins now has two double-doubles this season after posting nine last year
> Concordia outscored PLNU from the free throw line 39-12 in the last two games

Up Next
Point Loma will be home again next Friday (Jan. 29) to host Biola. The Sea Lions will return the trip to La Mirada, Calif., on Saturday. Both games will begin at 2 p.m.