(LAKELAND, Fla.) PLNU Men's Basketball raced out to a 15-2 lead early against No. 22 Fort Lewis, sparking Point Loma to an 80-69 victory in its regular season opener at the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Classic on Saturday.
 
"It's good to get the first one under our belt," Head Coach Justin Downer said. "It always feels like the hardest one, as you're kind of guessing who your opponent is and trying to mesh the lineup when there is something on the line."
 
In that fast start, Coby Barnes, Tyce Paulsen and Zackry Paulsen all hit 3-pointers, as the Sea Lions shot over 50% from behind the arc in the first, making 7-of-13 shots from downtown.
 
PLNU, receiving votes in the NABC Preseason Coaches Poll, then took a 10-point advantage into the half, as Point Loma led for the rest of the game.
 

The @PLNUSeaLions have come out hot. They can move the ball really well and run fast and aren't missing their shots. 15-2 quickly here at the @smcollegehoops HOF Classic #d2mbb pic.twitter.com/LSRLqE5GBY

— Wayne Cavadi (@WayneCavadi_D2) November 2, 2024

 
Fort Lewis got to within one on a few occasions, but the Sea Lions answered back each time. At the 15:59 on the clock in the second half, PLNU went on a 10-0 run, capped off by a Jaden Matingou layup to go back up by double digits.
 
Barnes' 3-point play with 2:51 remaining gave Point Loma an 11-point lead, as PLNU held the Skyhawks scoreless for the remainder of the game.
 
"I'm really proud of our team to problem solve and find a way to win against a chaotic style of play," Downer said. "Credit to Fort Lewis, they adjusted and made us play a different style of play than we're used to."
 

The @PLNUSeaLions like to get out and run, and every player can run the floor. Every Sea Lion that has played has scored at least 6 points. And they have plenty of highlight-reel plays. #D2MBB @smcollegehoops pic.twitter.com/AoNPAFZ5Pg

— Wayne Cavadi (@WayneCavadi_D2) November 2, 2024

 
Five Sea Lions scored in double figures, led by Zackry Paulsen's 13. Luke Haupt and Barnes scored 11 and 10 points respectively, while Matingou (11 points) and Pierce Davis (10 points) led the second unit. Luke Smith tallied a team-high nine rebounds.
 
The squad showcased its depth with nine players scoring at least six points.
 

The @PLNUSeaLions like to get out and run, and every player can run the floor. Every Sea Lion that has played has scored at least 6 points. And they have plenty of highlight-reel plays. #D2MBB @smcollegehoops pic.twitter.com/AoNPAFZ5Pg

— Wayne Cavadi (@WayneCavadi_D2) November 2, 2024

 
Point Loma (1-0 overall) will conclude its participation at the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Classic on Sunday against tournament hosts Florida Southern, ranked No. 19 in the NABC Preseason Coaches Poll. Tip-off in Lakeland, Florida is scheduled for 2:45 p.m. PST / 5:45 p.m. EST.
 
"We're looking forward to getting another crack at a ranked opponent tomorrow," Downer said.

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