Jan. 28, 2016 Final Stats | Photo Gallery 
2015-16 Schedule |
Give to LMU Athletics |
Season Tickets |
LMU on Facebook |
LOS ANGELES - Exactly one week after facing BYU on its home court in Provo, the LMU women's basketball team hosted the West Coast Conference leaders for a rematch in Gersten Pavilion. In a shootout that saw both teams hit better than 41 percent from the field, including a near season-high 46 percent from the Lions, BYU ultimately prevailed, 82-75.
LMU (7-14, 3-7 WCC) had four players score in double figures including seniors Sophie Taylor and Deanna Johnson with 15 points apiece. Cheyenne Wallace and Makenzie Cast gave the Lions a huge lift off the bench with 13 and 14 points, respectively. Bree Alford had 13 rebounds and Andee Velasco dished seven assists.
The Cougars (17-4, 9-1 WCC) were paced by Lexi Rydalch's game-high 31 points and 12 boards. Makenzi Pulsipher had 19 points and Kalani Purchell added a 14-point, 14-rebound double-double.
The Lions came out of the gates on a mission, hitting 10-of-16 from the field, including 3-of-4 from deep, to lead 24-22 at the end of the first quarter. They slowed a bit in the second quarter as BYU went on a 12-4 run to take a 37-32 lead with three minutes to play. The Cougars would take a 40-37 lead into the half.
Out of the break, Cast opened things up with a three, knotting the score at 40-40. Rydalch hit one of two free throws before Taylor converted a layup for a 42-41 LMU lead. Purcell responded with back-to-back buckets for BYU, putting the lead back in the Cougars' hands for the balance of the game.
BYU stretched its lead to as many as 13 in the fourth quarter as Rydalch scored 10 of her 31 in the frame. LMU pulled to within five on two occasions down the stretch, but could get no closer.
Both teams had their fair share of giveaways, combining for 39 turnovers, but LMU took a slight 23-17 advantage in points off turnovers. The Cougars also held a 46-33 edge on the boards, including 18 offensive boards that resulted in 11 second-chance points. The Lions managed just a pair of buckets off of their seven offensive boards.
The two-game WCC homestand continues for the Lions on Saturday as they host the league's other co-leader, San Diego. Tip off is scheduled for 2 p.m. in Gersten Pavilion.
 | =""> Support LMU's 22 intercollegiate teams and it's student-athletes through scholarships and team support.
Together WE ARE LMU Lions... join the pride today:
Join the Lions Athletic Fund | This is LMU
|
