(SAN DIEGO) PLNU Women's Basketball moved into a tie atop the PacWest standings with a 66-64 home win over No. 9 Azusa Pacific on Wednesday night in Golden Gym.
 
With Point Loma's first victory over the Cougars since 2021, along with Vanguard's win against Concordia, there is now a three-way tie for first place in the conference at 11-2 in PacWest play.
 
Maddie Mersch scored a career-high 17 points to lead the Sea Lions, while Hannah Golan pitched in with a season-high 15 points. Eiley Tippins added 14 points, six rebounds and six blocks.
 
Tippins' defense forced an errant final shot by APU in the closing seconds of regulation, as PLNU ended APU's 10-game winning streak in the series that dated back nearly four years.
 

SEA LIONS TAKE DOWN THE #9 COUGARS@PLNU_WBB moves into a tie atop @ThePacWest standings with a 66-64 win over Azusa Pacific.#GoSeaLions pic.twitter.com/VukJDXlwec

— PLNU Sea Lions (@PLNUSeaLions) January 30, 2025

 
Golan's four steals helped the Sea Lions get out in transition, with the hosts outscoring the visitors 29-11 in fast break points.
 
One of those steals led to an easy layup for Golan at the other end as part of PLNU's 5-0 start to the fourth quarter.
 
Consecutive buckets from Tippins then put the hosts up by a game-high seven points, as did Tavia Rowell's jumper almost halfway through the final period.
 
But after Rowell's basket with 5:27 remaining in regulation, the Cougars held the Sea Lions scoreless for over five minutes, getting to within one.
 
Kaylee Byon, who led all players with 10 assists, then sank a crucial free throw to put Point Loma ahead by two before PLNU's defense held firm in the closing seconds to close out the win.
 

PLNU takes down APU to tie for first place in the PacWest!#GoSeaLions pic.twitter.com/hZs1fyUei9

— PLNU Sea Lions (@PLNUSeaLions) January 30, 2025

 
Point Loma (16-5 overall, 11-2 PacWest) now hits the road to play at Jessup on Saturday at noon.
 
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