SAN DIEGO, Calif.- The Pacific University men's basketball team wrapped up their three-game road trip in California with a matchup against Division II opponent Point Loma Nazarene, and the hosts would pick up the 121-71 win inside Golden Gym.
The Boxers (4-7, 0-2 NWC) struggled to find any offensive rhythm and posted their lowest field-goal percentage (22%) of the season. Pacific's 71 points was also their third-lowest tally of the season. PLNU scored 121 in the game which is the second-most the Boxers have allowed this year.
Point Loma (6-6, 2-2 PACWEST) recorded an outstanding field-goal percentage, shooting over 70% in the contest. The Sea Lions moved the ball very well as were able to find any shot on the floor and knocked them down with stellar efficiency. Making 10 of their 20 attempts from the perimeter, the hosts registered a three-point field-goal percentage of 50%. PLNU racked up 70 points in the paint, showing their ability to create open looks near the rim.
Lucas Winkler (Freshman/Portland, OR) had a breakout performance on Monday afternoon, matching a season-high with 15 points against the Division II foes. The freshman point guard scored all of his points in the first half, going 5-of-9 from the floor to lead his team offensively.
Drew Gumin (Freshman/Gilroy, CA) also reached double figures with 10 points to his name. Gumin went 4-of-5 from the floor and 2-of-3 from beyond the arc.
How It Happened
The Sea Lions started very quickly in the early minutes, jumping to a 22-13 lead at the 12-minute mark. The hosts were very effective in transition as they were able to break the Pacific press without too much trouble, leading to some easy layups and open three-pointers. Point Loma shot over 60% (22-35) in the first half and made seven of their 14 three-point attempts to take a 65-31 lead.
Pacific really struggled to find open looks in the first 20 minutes. The Boxers made just 10 of their 40 attempts (25%) from the field. Despite a tough first half, Winkler was the bright spot with 15 points. The freshman was extremely efficient, going 5-of-6 from the floor and 5-of-6 from the free throw line to lead the Boxers at the break.
An 8-0 run to start the second half extended the Sea Lion lead over 30 points but Winkler would end the scoring drought with a nice drive to the basket.
PLNU went 9-for-9 to start the second half to push their lead beyond the 40-point threshold. Another short spurt from the hosts would see the lead grow to over 50 points, putting the game out of reach.
By The Numbers
- Pacific 50-point margin of defeat is the largest since their 2014 matchup against Utah.
- PLNU won the rebounding battle 46-40.
- The Sea Lions recorded 38 fast break points and 60 bench points in the contest.
Up Next
Pacific returns to Northwest Conference action in the new year when they travel to Spokane, Wash. on Jan. 7 at 8 p.m. to face Whitworth.
For the latest information on Pacific Athletics, make sure to check out GoBoxers.com. You can also find the Boxers on social media at @GoBoxers on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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