SAN RAFAEL, Calif. – Dominican men's basketball fell 90-65 Saturday night against Point Loma Nazarene University in its second Pacific West Conference game of the year at the Conlan Center. 

Cedric Thomas consistently found his way to the rim for the Penguins (4-3, 0-2 PacWest), finishing with 16 points to go with four rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Ezra Talbert broke out for 12 points, while Sam Averbuck connected on 50 percent of his shots from the field for 10 points.

Kaden Anderson led all players for PLNU (6-2, 2-0 PacWest) with 15 points on 50 percent shooting, and a perfect 6 of 6 from the charity stripe. Brock Mackenzie added 13 points on 4 of 6 shooting from the field, and 3 for 5 from behind the 3-point line.

Neither team was able to create much separation in the first 10 minutes of the first half as Averbuck connected on his first 3-pointer from NBA range to make it a two-point game near the midway point. Preston Beverly then sparked the Sea Lions on a 10-0 run with a dunk and they took a 27-17 lead with eight minutes left in the half. 

The Penguins responded as Christian Futch sank a hook shot and then assisted Talbert for a layup to make it an 8-point game with just over seven minutes left in the half. PLNU slowly increased its lead and Sterling Somers converted an old-fashioned 3-point play to extend it to 17 and the Sea Lions headed to the break leading 47-32. 

Thomas was able to give the Penguins some momentum as he bracketed a layup by Jordan Williams with two of his own to go with a block as they cut the lead to 61-48 with 10 minutes left on the clock. However, the Sea Lions proved to be too much, taking a game-high lead at 26 on a dunk from Daulton Hommes and they cruised to victory. 

The Penguins will hit the road to take on Notre Dame De Namur as they look for their first conference win Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. PST.  Live video and stats will be available online.