(SAN DIEGO) No. 9 PLNU Men's Basketball prevailed over Concordia on Saturday night in Golden Gym, 70-67, during Homecoming Weekend on campus to avenge a loss at CUI in December.
That previous loss, Point Loma's first in PacWest play, preceded a 10-game conference winning streak for the Sea Lions, who have now won 11 of 12 and officially clinched their spot in the PacWest Championships (March 6-8).
PLNU held CUI to just 24 points in the first half, with Point Loma leading by as many as 16 after
Coby Barnes' floater doubled up the Golden Eagles' score, 32-16 in favor of the Sea Lions.
After leading by 10 at the break, Point Loma maintained that lead throughout the entirety of the second half.
Concordia got to within two with 1:11 remaining and had a chance to tie or take the lead, but PLNU got a crucial stop before
Tyce Paulsen and
Zackry Paulsen each hit a pair of free throws to put the game out of reach.
Luke Haupt's block in the closing seconds went out of bounds off a CUI player and ended any hopes the Golden Eagles had of a comeback.
Zackry Paulsen led all scorers with 23 points, while Barnes (12 points) and Haupt (11 points) joined him in double figures.
Point Loma (21-5 overall, 14-2 PacWest) holds a two-game lead in the loss column in the conference standings over second-placed Biola.
PLNU returns to the court on Wednesday at Azusa Pacific. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCE
