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SAN FRANCISCO - In a game featuring LMU's third-ranked defense and San Francisco's third-ranked offense, something was sure to give. For the Lions, it was about finally hitting shots in conference, beating the Dons at their own game. The Lions (8-9, 1-5) hit 12 three-pointers and set a season-high in points to earn an 87-83 victory over the Dons (9-8, 3-4) at The Sobrato Center on Thursday night.

The Lions, who entered the game averaging just over 58 points in five conference games, improved to 8-1 on the season when scoring more than 70 thanks to contributions from throughout the line-up, including a season-best 48 points from their bench.

"I thought we played our style of basketball tonight," said Head Coach Mike Dunlap. "We finally hit some shots and had a stronger shooting percentage. We are learning how to win on the road and more importantly in our league."

Senior David Humphries had a career-best 20 points, hitting 6-for-10 from three off the bench. Fellow Australian Joshua Spiers added 11, hitting 3-for-5 from three, also off the bench. Starter Adom Jacko led the Lions with 16 points. Devin Watson, who started the game 0-for-13, finished with 20 points, all in the second half. Tim Derksen, who went 8-for-12 from the field, also had 20 points.

Entering the game, seven of the last 12 meetings came down to the final possession and it was yet another tight one. The Lions trailed by five early but took a 39-34 lead at the break and extended it to 11, 52-41, on a Humphries three-pointer. The Dons cut the lead to three several times but the Lions managed to get the lead back to eight, 75-67, on a Jacko dunk.

Five straight points by Watson cut the lead to three, 75-72. Watson and Humphries traded three-pointers and the Lions led by six, 81-75, with 1:27 to play.

Watson hit a pair of free throws and then earned a steal and Uche Ofoegu scored to make it an 81-79 game with 1:16 to play. After the Lions missed a three-pointer, Watson hit one of two free throws to cut the lead to 81-80.

Munis Tutu, who was running point for the Lions the final 3:39 of the game after starter Brandon Brown fouled out, hit both free throws with :35 seconds left to make it 83-80. A Humphries steal gave the Lions possession and once again Tutu hit both free throws. Watson would hit a three with 10 seconds left to make it 85-83.

Shamar Johnson was fouled and he hit both free throws to secure the win. The Lions went 6-for-6 from the charity stripe the final 35 seconds and finished 17-for-19 (89.5 percent) for the game.

The Lions continue the Bay Area road swing when they head to Santa Clara on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 8 pm.

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