(SAN DIEGO) PLNU Men's Basketball exploded for 55 points in the first half, as Point Loma cruised to an 80-54 win over visiting San Diego Christian on Thursday night to conclude 2022 on a seven-game winning streak.
Kaden Anderson scored 20 of his game-high 30 points in the opening period, helping the Sea Lions develop a 28-point halftime advantage.
PLNU's 55 points were the most it has scored in any half this season.
"I thought in the first half we stayed true to our identity and played good basketball on the offensive end," Head Coach
Matt Logie said. "We got shots in the flow of what we're trying to do and got off to a great start."
The Hawks then held the Sea Lions scoreless for the first eight minutes of the second half, only for Anderson's 3-point play to get PLNU back going offensively.
"The reality is percentages play out more often than not and we felt the other side of that coin in the second half when we went on a scoring drought," Logie said. "But I thought our defense was solid in the second half.
"Credit to San Diego Christian as well. They came out in the second half and played well, played together and were able to knock down some shots."
After making eight 3-pointers in the first half, PLNU was held to just eight baskets after halftime, as the Sea Lions' shooting percentage dropped 30% in the second half. But the team's defense remained stout, limiting the visitors to 37% shooting in both periods.
"We looked a little rusty at times but that's why you try to squeeze in a game here before we head to Hawaii next week," Logie said. "Hopefully after a couple more days of practice we'll sharpen things back up."
SDCC got no closer than 16 points in the second half before the Sea Lions extended their lead back to a final margin of 26.
Luke Haupt (13 points) and
Jake Lifgren (11 points) joined Anderson in double figures.
Point Loma (11-3 overall, 6-0 PacWest) returns to conference play next week with three road games in Hawaii, beginning on Tuesday at Hawaii Hilo (7-1, 3-0), the lone other PacWest team still without a conference loss this season.
Tip-off on Tuesday is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. PST / 7:30 p.m. HST.
"We've been playing really good basketball the last few weeks," Logie said. "It's about getting back on the horse, getting back on the bike and pedaling and getting going again.
"Three good opponents, so we'll turn our attention to that now and get ready for a big week."
