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LOS ANGELES - Another fast first half by an LMU opponent - this time a 31-8 jump-start by San Francisco - was too much to overcome as the Lions fell to the Dons, 72-45, in West Coast Conference action at Gersten Pavilion Thursday night.

The Lions, who were down four players by the end of the night, couldn't capitalize on a career-night for senior Godwin Okonji. Playing in his final home stand, Okonji netted a career-high 22 points with five rebounds. He finished 6-for-13 from the field and 10-for-12 from the free throw line.

USF (11-16, 5-10) was led by Mark Tollefsen with 21 points and Tim Derksen with 19 points. They finished shooting 50 percent for the game, while LMU (8-20, 4-12) hit just 29.8 percent, hitting just seven field goals in each half.

"We were bush-whacked by our poor start," said Head Coach Mike Dunlap. "We were pushing uphill the entire way. Credit San Francisco in how they played and knowing the importance of the game. We didn't have enough in certain areas to get it done."

Matt Hayes scored nine points and Marin Mornar had eight. The Lions were out rebounded by USF, 41-27, and saw the Dons hold a 15-3 edge in points off turnovers.

The Lions started the game without Evan Payne (knee) and Ayodeji Egbeyemi (quad), and lost Josh Spiers (back) in the first half. Patson Siame was ejected from the game going into halftime. Five technicals were administered as the teams went into the locker room at the end of the first half.

LMU will finish their home portion of the schedule when they face Santa Clara on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 3 pm. The game is Senior Day for Okonji, Egbeyemi and Chase Flint. It is also the Hall of Fame game as the Lions' honor the newest class into the LMU Athletics' Hall of Fame. In addition, LMU when recognize the 25th Anniversary of the 1989-90 Elite Eight team.