AZUSA, Calif.-Despite a valiant second-half effort, the Point Loma Sea Lions (13-10 overall, 8-8 PacWest) fell 61-56 to the Azusa Pacific Cougars (19-2 overall, 15-1 PacWest) Monday night at the Felix Event Center.

For the second consecutive game, Point Loma roared back into the game with stellar play at the start of the second half. But a slew of turnovers and an opponent that excels at shot-blocking hampered the Sea Lions' comeback.

Azusa grabbed an early lead but Point Loma hung around thanks to a tough defense that contested shots consistently.

The Cougars held a heavy advantage on the glass in the first half that included 12 offensive rebounds but they only made two more field-goals than the Sea Lions.

Point Loma was within four in the last two minutes before the half before APU's 5-0 run widened the margin to 9. PLNU matched Azusa from deep in the half, thanks to a three-pointer from Allie Carreon just 8 seconds before the break, pulling Point Loma within six at 31-25.

Point Loma caught fire to start the second half again, opening the 3^rd quarter on a 9-2 run with Carreon nailing a three just after the under 4 timeout to give Point Loma its first lead of the night. Haylee Saurette added to the lead with a three the next time down to widen the margin to four.

But APU answered right back with a 6-0 run to regain the lead. Both teams exchanged buckets down the final three minutes of the third quarter with Azusa Pacific maintaining a 43-41 lead at the end of three quarters.

Tied at 46, APU hit a three and a layup to grab a five point lead with 4:26 to play.

Down 55-50, Cara Liggins drilled a three to pull Point Loma with 2 points under a minute to go.

But APU banked a shot in a deep two after what appeared to be a shot-clock violation.

Free throws pushed the APU lead to six but Carreon hit a three with less than ten seconds to go before more APU free-throws reset their advantage to five with 9 seconds. The Sea Lions final shot hit the iron and time expired.

Point Loma fought their way back into the game with an excellent effort on the glass in the second half. The Sea Lions were +12 in rebounds over the final 20 minutes, led by Annika Thayer's game high 14 rebounds. Point Loma won the overall rebound battle 53-49.

Point Loma also shot a better percentage, with both teams making 23 field goals, but Azusa had four more shots. The Sea Lions also hit 3 more three-pointers.

Azusa was 10-12 at the free-throw line, where Point Loma was just 2-6. APU blocked 14 shots and forced 18 turnovers, helping to overcome the difference on the glass and shooting percentage.

Three different Sea Lions were in double-figures with Saurette leading the way with 14 points. Carreon scored 13 and Thayer completed the double-double with 11 points.

Point Loma will return home for an important PacWest match-up Wednesday against Biola at 6:00 pm inside Golden Gymnasium.