In their final match of the Puerto Rico Classic, LMU faced Grambling State in an intense game that ended with a one point defeat for the Lions. The game remained fairly close through its entirety, and a fourth quarter offensive drive from the Lions kept it exciting, but LMU ultimately fell short with a final score of 62-61 in favor of Grambling State.    

LMU began the game strong, winning the tip-off and scoring and easy first few points thanks to a layup from Jasmine Jones and a three from Cierra Belvin. The Lions and the Tigers went back and forth throughout the quarter, losing and regaining the lead several times each. The quarter ended with a score of 17-16 with Grambling State in the lead. Jones led the quarter with 4 points and, most notably, Chelsey Gipson returned to the court after missing the last few games due to a concussion.  

LMU regained the lead early in the 2nd quarter thanks to a 4-0 run and buzzer beating three from Bree Alford. LMU held the lead throughout most of the second quarter, but the Tigers were able to retake control at the very end of the half, leading 30-27. 

Though LMU worked hard to close the gap in the third quarter, Grambling State was able to extend their lead to as high as 13. The quarter ended with the Tigers ahead by 9. 

Thanks to an 11-0 run during the fourth, the Lions were able to bring Grambling State's lead down to just 1 point. Jones tied the game up with a layup towards the end quarter. A three pointer from Alford put the Lions in lead for the first time since the second quarter, with just seconds to go. The Tigers responded with a three point play. A last chance three-point attempt by Gibson just barley missed and the game ended with a score of 62-61, Grambling State.  

The Lions top performer of the game was Gabby Green, who put up 20 points and had 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and a block. Other key performers were Jones (12 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals), Alford (9 points, 12 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 assists) and Velasco (8 points, 4 assists, 2 steals). 

With the conclusion of this game, LMU will be leaving the Puerto Rico Classic without a win under their belt. Speaking on the tournament, Head Coach Charity Elliott believes there are "a lot of lessons to be taken away from this." She adds that this will be "a soul searching moment for this team" as they are set to begin conference play next week. In Coach Elliott's word, moving forward will be about "learning how hard you have to play, how much you have to execute, and how much you have to value the ball."    

The team will return home next week to begin conference play. They face Gonzaga and Portland at 2 p.m. in Gersten Pavilion on Dec. 29 and Dec. 31 respectively.