(FRESNO, Calif.) PLNU Women's Basketball held Fresno Pacific to just 15 first-half points, leading the Sea Lions to their third-straight win, 57-44, on Saturday afternoon.
 
"Our defense was on point in the first half," Head Coach Charity Elliott said. "We were talking, working hard and just being aggressive, which forced them into some tough shots."
 
After holding a 10-8 advantage after the first quarter, Point Loma outscored FPU 22-7 in the second quarter, accounting for PLNU's final margin of victory.
 
The Sea Lions extended their 17-point halftime lead to 20 points early in the third quarter, before the Sunbirds stormed back with a 16-0 run to make it a four-point game.
 
Allie Carreon's 3-pointer then sparked a 7-0 PLNU streak, capped by a Haylee Saurette jumper, to end the quarter up by 11.
 
Point Loma (11-12 overall, 9-6 PacWest) then maintained its double-digit lead for the entire fourth quarter to move within one game of reaching .500 on the season, while giving up the fewest points it has in any game this season.
 
"In the second half Fresno bounced back as we knew they would, but we were able to hold on for the win," Elliott said. "Haylee continues to shine and hit some crucial baskets for us, especially when Fresno was closing the gap."
 
Saurette led all scorers with 16 points, while Carreon joined her in double figures with 10. Eiley Tippins scored eight points and added seven rebounds, with Madison Corder pacing the second unit with six points on 3-for-3 shooting. Ellie Turk dished out a game-high four assists.
 
"I thought Madison Corder and Eiley Tippins both had huge minutes for us inside and on the boards," Elliott said of her two post players that helped the team hold a 37-26 rebounding advantage. "Allie Carreon and Ellie Turk also continue to be very solid and consistent for us."
 
Point Loma concludes its road trip on Monday at Holy Names at 5:30 p.m. in what is the team's final road game of the season before the Sea Lions return home for their final four regular season contests.