(NAMPA, Idaho) Facing a six-point deficit entering the fourth quarter, PLNU Women's Basketball faced the threat of a fifth-straight loss to start the season.
 
Allie Carreon wasn't going to let that happen.
 
Carreon hit four of her seven 3-pointers in the final period, including the go-ahead triple with under two seconds remaining in regulation, to spark the Sea Lions to a 68-65 comeback victory over Simon Fraser in their first game of the Thanksgiving Classic on Friday afternoon.
 
"We had so many people contribute in big and small ways today," Head Coach Charity Elliott said. "It was a tough, energetic win against a very talented Simon Fraser team. It's a huge win and I'm proud of how hard we played."
 
Elliott also credited her team's defense in the victory.
 
"I thought our defense was the difference in the game, as we were able to force some turnovers," Elliott said.
 
PLNU held an 18-13 advantage in points off turnovers, including 7-2 in the fourth quarter.
 
Early in the final period, a Haylee Saurette steal resulted in a Carreon 3-pointer that brought Point Loma to within one, before the team forced a crucial turnover with the game tied that gave the Sea Lions the ball back and the opportunity to win the game with just seconds remaining.
 
With the Sea Lions trailing by three, Eiley Tippins secured an offensive rebound off a missed PLNU free throw with 15 seconds left, before kicking it out to Carreon to tie the game from distance.
 
Then with the score knotted at 65, Point Loma forced an 18th turnover from Simon Fraser that gave the Sea Lions the ball back with just eight seconds remaining.
 
PLNU called timeout and Elliott drew up a play that got Carreon open for yet another triple that gave Point Loma the thrilling victory.
 
"Obviously Allie hit some clutch 3's, especially down the stretch, but that doesn't happen if Eiley doesn't get the rebound off our free throw or if Haylee doesn't give her a great pass in the corner," Elliott said.
 
Carreon scored a career-high 31 points, sinking 7-of-9 3-pointers, with Saurette joining her in double figures with 12 points. Ellie Turk added nine points while tying Kylie Hearn for the team-lead with six rebounds.
 
Elliott also highlighted the play of Maddie Mersch, who contributed five rebounds and two steals off the bench.
 
Point Loma (1-4 overall) concludes the Thanksgiving Classic on Saturday at 4:15 p.m. PT / 5:15 p.m. MT when the Sea Lions take on tournament host Northwest Nazarene.