All in the Balance

Friday, January 5

San Diego, Calif.

5:30 PM

California Baptist University

7-7, 4-2PacWest

Point Loma

9-5, 4-3PacWest

California Baptist

Point Loma

Photo by: Sammi Wellman

1/5/2018 7:39:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

By: Andrew Shortall, Asst. Sports Information Director

SAN DIEGO -- Three California Baptist University Lancers nearly completed a double-double and battled Point Loma all the way to the end, but ultimately fell to the Sea Lions on the road, 73-72.

Tori Mitchell recorded 18 points, 16 rebounds and five blocks, but CBU dropped to 7-7, 4-2 in the PacWest and PLNU improved to 9-5, 4-3. The Lancers head to Dixie State next on Monday at 4:30 p.m. PDT.

CBU logged a 53-45 advantage in rebounds and also received 16 points and eight rebounds from Lexy Ram, while Blaysen Varnadoe put up 13 points and nine boards. Ane Olaeta chipped in nine points and six assists, as well.

Mitchell staked CBU out to a 9-2 lead by scoring six of her team's first nine points, while a Ram three provided the rest. The Lancers then took a 14-3 run over from the first quarter into the second to increase its lead to 32-21, with Ram scoring five points and Mitchell adding four more.

CBU kept its 11-point lead at halftime, 42-31, and then ran its advantage up 18, 55-37, with an 8-2 run. Ram scored six of those points, but the Sea Lions battled back and took the lead with less than two minutes to play and never gave it up.

It was far from easy, though, as the Lancers launched a furious comeback attempt down 69-65 with 43 seconds remaining. Emma Meriggioli grabbed an offensive rebound and put back a layup to cut CBU's deficit to 69-67 with 28 seconds left.

Point Loma then drew a foul and converted both free throws, but Olaeta quickly drove into the paint and cashed in an easy layup to keep the Lancers in the game with 12 seconds left before two more PLNU free throws. Georgia Dale hit a three-pointer with five seconds left to make it a one-point game, but the Sea Lions got loose on the inbound play and dribbled out the clock for the win.