ATHERTON, CALIF. – Point Loma’s basketball team (9-4, 5-2 Pac West) never trailed and led for nearly the entire contest as the Sea Lions rolled to an 86-69 victory at Menlo College (3-8, 1-5 Pac West) on Saturday afternoon to close out their Northern California road trip.  

The Sea Lions set the tone early, opening the game on a dominant first quarter in which they shot 68.4% from the field and jumped out to a 29-15 lead. That cushion proved more than enough, Point Loma led the entire game apart from 9 seconds. The 29-point quarter was PLNU’s highest scoring in a single quarter since February 2025.

Eiley Tippins anchored the Sea Lions’ offense, finishing with a game and career high 25 points while adding nine rebounds and four steals. Tippins was effective in the paint and at the free throw line, where she went 5 for 6. 

Hannah Golan added 18 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three steals, providing steady production on both ends of the floor. Ruby Vlahov chipped in 14 points and knocked down both of her three point attempts. Tippins and Vlahov assisted the Sea Lions against the Oaks down in the low post, outscoring Menlo 50-16 in the paint.

Izzy Navarro filled up the stat sheet with 13 points and a game high 12 assists. Navarro helped to orchestrate the offense and kept Point Loma’s tempo under control. Navarro’s 12 assists is also the most from a PLNU player since December 2016. PLNU beat Menlo in second chance points, 18-0, as well.

Foul trouble played a notable role, especially for Menlo. The Oaks had 22 personal fouls compared to just 14 for Point Loma, forcing multiple Menlo players to the bench during key stretches. Zoe Carrillo fouled out late in the game, while several others – including Alberte Frisch and Mehkia Applewhite – were limited by foul counts as the game went on. 

PLNU also managed its own foul situations effectively. Tippins and Navarro each finished with multiple fouls, but the Sea Lions’ depth allowed them to rotate without losing momentum. 

Menlo made several runs, however, each one was met by a timely response from Point Loma. The Sea Lions outscored Menlo 24-19 in the third quarter to reestablish separation before closing the game at the free throw line in the final minutes. 

With the win, PLNU moves to 5-2 in the Pac West, ending a two-game loss streak. Point Loma’s next game takes place at home on Jan. 8 at 2 p.m. in the Golden Gymnasium against Jessup. Watch the game or buy tickets here.