(SAN DIEGO) PLNU Women's Basketball got back in the win column with a 61-51 home victory over Hawai'i Hilo on Saturday afternoon in Golden Gym.
 
After suffering only its second conference loss of the season on Thursday, Hilo threatened to give Point Loma its second consecutive defeat, leading the Sea Lions 28-26 at the half and then 36-28 early in the third quarter.
 
However, PLNU responded with a 16-2 run, as Shayla O'Neil's running layup tied the score before Tavia Rowell drove into the lane to restore Point Loma's lead for good.
 
Maddie Mersch then put the Sea Lions up by double digits, capping off PLNU's 6-0 start to the fourth quarter.
 
PLNU led by as many as 15 in the final period after a pair of free throws from Alli McDonald, who led all players with 12 rebounds.
 
Strong defense in the second half sparked Point Loma's comeback, as PLNU limited Hilo to 23 points after halftime, including just seven in the fourth.
 

PLNU bounces back to take down UHH! @PLNU_WBB pic.twitter.com/l3pEFQJM4Z

— PLNU Sea Lions (@PLNUSeaLions) January 25, 2025

 
Eiley Tippins (16 points, 8 rebounds) was instrumental in the Sea Lions' 40-18 advantage in points in the paint, which was enough to overcome Point Loma's 0-for-15 shooting performance from 3-point range.
 
O'Neil and Rowell both scored 10 points apiece to join Tippins in double figures.
 
Point Loma (15-5 overall, 10-2 PacWest) hosts first-placed Azusa Pacific on Wednesday night at 5:30 p.m. with an opportunity to tie the Cougars atop the conference standings.
 
POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCE