SAN DIEGO – Saturday’s basketball matchup between Point Loma and Azusa Pacific carried far more weight than a typical midseason conference game, and by the final horn, the Sea Lions had made that clear.
Point Loma (13-4, 9-2 PacWest) delivered a dominant 80-55 victory over the Cougars, a win that not only avenged a Dec. 20 loss to Azusa Pacific (11-5, 7-2 PacWest), but also reshaped the PacWest Conference standings. With the result, the Sea Lions moved into second place, while APU, which entered the day atop the conference, slipped to third.
“I think it’s an even bigger deal for us personally, because we lost to them earlier in the conference season,” Ruby Vlahov said. “I think that hit us really hard and we were really devastated with how we played it. We should have won that game. It doesn't matter where they sat on the ladder, but we really needed to win this game for ourselves, not just the leaderboard.”
The tone was set early and sustained throughout, fueled by a dominant performance from Eiley Tippins, who tied her career high with 25 points. The senior center was efficient and composed, scoring 9 of 14 from the field and consistently drawing contact inside. She added eight rebounds, asserting herself on both ends of the floor and providing the steady presence that allowed Point Loma to control the game.
Tippins’ performance came as part of a larger response from the Sea Lions, who were determined to flip the script after their December meeting with the Cougars. This time, Point Loma dictated the pace, controlled the paint and capitalized on its opportunities at the free throw line.
Head coach Charity Elliott shared that the team focused on the scouting report, especially for Azusa’s point guard. The PLNU coaching staff wanted the Sea Lions to be aware of where Azusa’s point guard was, to be intentional about slowing her down and contesting shots.
Foul trouble proved to be a significant factor for the Cougars, who were whistled for 23 personal fouls. The constant interruptions disrupted Azusa Pacific’s defensive rhythm and forced several players into limited roles, opening the door for Point Loma to build separation. The Sea Lions took advantage, converting 19 of 25 free throws and using those trips to the line to maintain momentum whenever APU attempted to respond.
While Tippins anchored the effort, Point Loma’s balance stood out as well. Vlahov scored 15 points, stretching the floor and creating space offensively, while Emma Sales added 13, giving the Sea Lions multiple scoring options throughout the lineup. That depth has become a defining trait during Point Loma’s recent run.
The win marks Point Loma’s fifth straight, a streak that has propelled the Sea Lions firmly into the PacWest title conversation. Over that stretch, they’ve combined offensive efficiency with disciplined defense, showing a level of consistency that’s beginning to separate them from the pack.
“It shouldn't take losing to a team to come back with that kind of energy,” Elliott said, starting to look forward to more conference play. “So this is the standard and we’re still trying to get there. It’s January. We still, in my mind, have a long way to go.”
Saturday’s result also set the stage for what looms next. Point Loma will travel to face Vanguard on Jan. 24 in a highly anticipated showdown between the PacWest’s first and second place teams. With conference positioning on the line, the matchup promises to be one of the most significant games of the season.