The Saskatchewan Rush dropped back to .500 on the season with a narrow 13-12 loss to the San Diego Seals on Friday in National Lacrosse League action.

The loss puts Saskatchewan at 6-6 this season and in third place in the Western Division, while San Diego, an expansion team, locked up a playoff spot with the win and sit in first place at 8-4.

Ben McIntosh had a hat trick and six points in the loss, while Jeff Shattler added two goals and four points. Mark Matthews finished with a goal and four assists for Saskatchewan.

Adam Shute took the loss in goal, allowing 13 goals on 56 shots, as the Rush were outshot 56-51 in the game.

San Diego jumped out to a 4-2 lead after the first quarter and then took a 7-5 advantage into halftime. The Rush battled back in the third quarter, outscoring the Seals 5-4 to cut the lead down to one, but the two sides traded goals in the fourth as San Diego held on for the one-goal win.

Kyle Buchanan finished with four goals and eight points, while Garrett Billings had a goal and nine assists to lead the way for the Seals.

The Rush return home to host the Vancouver Warriors this Saturday at SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon.