(SAN DIEGO) PLNU Women's Basketball's return to Golden Gym was a welcome one, defeating Hope International 71-61 on Saturday afternoon in the Sea Lions' home opener.
Point Loma opened the season with six-straight games away from home but took advantage of playing in front of its own crowd for the first time in 2023-24.
After a fast-paced start to the game, PLNU closed the first quarter on a 14-0 run, holding HIU scoreless over the final 7:03 while forcing nine turnovers in the opening period.
That was part of an 18-0 stretch for the Sea Lions, who held the Royals scoreless for over 10 minutes in total until the 6:57 mark in the second.
After an even second quarter, the Royals got to within five in the third before
Alyssa Munn's 3-pointer in the closing seconds restored the Sea Lions' double-digit lead entering the fourth.
Katie Scott's reverse layup and jumper, to go along with four assists in the final period, then helped PLNU fend off a spirited HIU comeback bid.
The Sea Lions' bench outscored the Royals' 33-10, as PLNU also held a 36-22 advantage in points in the paint with
Annika Thayer (6 points) showcasing skillful post moves.
Tavia Rowell led PLNU with 13 points, while Munn (10 points) also reached double figures.
Shayla O'Neil (9 points) and
Hannah Golan (8 points, 8 rebounds) nearly joined them as well, as Scott scored six points and added five assists in just 10 minutes of action.
Point Loma (3-4 overall) returns to Golden Gym on Wednesday at 7 p.m. to play Cal State LA in the Sea Lions' final non-conference game before PacWest play begins on Saturday.
POSTGAME INTERVIEW
