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LOS ANGELES - Needing a spark, LMU turned to its defense and freshman guard Munis Tutu led the charge, forcing San Diego (6-13, 1-7) into 17 turnovers that helped lead the Lions (10-10, 3-6) to a 67-63 win over the Toreros on Saturday afternoon.
The Lions finished the game with just five turnovers themselves and held an 18-5 edge in points off the takeaways. Tutu came off the bench and ignited a rally - the Lions trailed by nine in the first half - finishing with 10 points, four assists and four steals.
"Just five turnovers today was huge," said Head Coach Mike Dunlap. "And our defense definitely turned the tide. Munis really ignited us."
Adom Jacko, who was in early foul trouble, scored 17 of his 23 points in the second half to lead all scorers. Brandon Brown added 12 points. Vasa Pusica had a double-double for the Toreros, going for 17 points and 12 rebounds.
"Adom showed some guts, playing through an injury and foul trouble. And again, Munis really ignited us," said Dunlap. "David Humphries gave us a boost starting tonight. But it was a team effort win today."
The Lions trailed by nine, 33-24, with 2:59 to play in the first half. Tutu would score six straight points to cut the lead to three, 33-30, with 1:02 to play. The Toreros would hit a late three to lead 36-30 at the break.
LMU would continue it's full court pressure and Tutu would tie the game at 38-38 in the first five minutes of the second half. Brown would then hit a three-pointer with 11:21 to play to give the Lions their first lead in nearly 25 minutes, 44-42.
Puscia would hit a three-pointer to give USD the lead back, 45-44. A three-pointer by Tutu and five straight points from Jacko gave the Lions the lead for good.
It will be a quick turnaround for the Lions as they will head on the road to face BYU and San Diego once again, traveling to Provo on Thursday, Jan. 28, and then San Diego on Saturday, Jan. 30. Thursday's game can be seen on ESPNU at 8 pm.
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