AZUSA, Calif. - The No. 23 Point Loma women's basketball team fell 79-66 to Azusa Pacific in the first-ever PacWest SoCal Pod Championship game.
 
The Sea Lions just could not find the rhythm or the range today. They connected on just .257 percent of their shots, and only 4-of-32 from 3-point range. In the first half, PLNU was just 1-of-14 from long range which allowed APU to build a 44-32 halftime lead. The Cougars then opened the second half on a 17-5 run to build their biggest lead of the night (61-37).
 
Point Loma tried to fight back as it cut the deficit to 12 (70-58) midway through the fourth quarter and had it to 10 with 3:04 remaining, but they could never get back within single digits.
 
Haylee Saurette led the Sea Lions in the loss with a career-high 30 points. She went 10-of-16 from the field and 7-of-8 at the free throw line while also grabbing a team-best eight rebounds. She was the only Sea Lion in double-figures. All five of APU's starters scored 11 or more points, led by 22 from Kelly Heimburger.
 
Team Records
#23 Point Loma (8-5, 7-5 PacWest), Azusa Pacific (10-4, 8-4 PacWest)
 
PacWest Implications
The loss gives Azusa Pacific the PacWest SoCal Pod Championship. The Sea Lions placed second in the pod with a 7-5 record.
 
Turning Point
Point Loma began the game with an 8-3 lead as they scored on four of their first five possessions. Azusa answered with a 24-2 run which stretch from the first quarter until the 7:36 mark in the second quarter. The Sea Lions would never have the lead of be closer than 10 points the rest of the way. 
 
Words from coach Lisa Faulkner
On the game: "We didn't play our best and APU played well. It's disappointing for sure, but everything has a lesson. So we will learn from this experience and move forward."
 
On Saurette's performance: "Haylee had tremendous effort. She has shown that is is ready to be a top player in this conference."
 
On the Sea Lions' outlook the rest of the year: "Praying that we get into regionals. Would have been nice to win one game this weekend but hopefully the committee can see how competitive the four teams our in the southern pod. All four of us can compete with anyone. We will see what happens!"
 
News and Notes
> Saurette's previous career-high was 24 points (at Chaminade 1/8/20)
> The 66 points were a season-low for the Sea Lions
> This was the first time PLNU has lost back-to-back games since Feb. 2020
> PLNU was held 17 points below their season scoring average of 82.9 ppg
 
Next
Point Loma will now have to await its playoff fate. The NCAA Selection Show will take place Sunday, Mar. 7 at 7 p.m. (PST) on NCAA.com.