HONOLULU, Hawai'i — Hawai'i Pacific battled conference-leading Point Loma Thursday evening at home, but the Sea Lions pulled away late to secure an 85-73 PacWest victory.

HPU (15-7, 11-6 PacWest) stayed within striking distance throughout the first half, trailing just 49-40 at the break after shooting an efficient 53.8 percent from the field and 58.3 percent from three-point range. The Sharks continued to compete in the second half, but Point Loma's perimeter shooting ultimately created separation down the stretch.

Quentin Meza paced Hawai'i Pacific with 16 points, connecting on four three-pointers while adding five rebounds. Avi Halpert followed with 14 points on 4-of-6 shooting and a perfect 4-for-4 effort at the free throw line. Nemanja Sarenac added 12 points, also knocking down four triples.

HPU shot 48.1 percent from the floor and 50 percent from beyond the arc, finishing 12-of-24 from three. The Sharks also received a strong contribution from their bench, which totaled 29 points.

Point Loma (19-4, 14-3 PacWest), currently sitting first in the conference standings, shot 52.7 percent overall and made 15 three-pointers in the contest.

Despite the outcome, Hawai'i Pacific remained competitive against the top team in the league and continues to position itself strongly in the PacWest standings.