Point Loma’s Bruce Is Player of Year

Point Loma Nazarene College’s Steve Bruce was named the Golden State Athletic Conference player of the year Monday. Bruce, who plays forward and center, averaged 18.1 points and 7.6 rebounds for the Crusaders, who tied for the conference championship with Southern California College.

Point Loma Nazarene also placed guard Greg Lanthier on the 10-member all-conference team. Lanthier averaged 13.3 points and led the league in assists with a 5.6 average.

The Crusaders (7-3, 20-9) open first-round action in the NAIA District III championships tonight playing host to Fresno Pacific (12-17) at 7:30 p.m. Point Loma Nazarene has beaten Fresno Pacific twice this season.

If the Crusaders win, they will advance to the semifinals against the winner of the Southern California College-West Coast Christian game Saturday at Chapman College.