In their conference home opener, the Lions fell to the Gonzaga Bulldogs 78-53. Though LMU had a dominating performance in the first half, they were unable to keep it up in the second. 

The Zags put up the first points of the game but were met with a quick response from LMU. The two teams when back and forth through the first quarter until a 10-0 run from LMU put them in the lead. The quarter ended 17-10, Lions ahead.

LMU continued to command the game throughout Q2. Cierra Belvin had a stellar performance in the first half, going 4 for 4 from the field with three 3-pointers. Going into halftime, the Lions 

were still in control, leading by 6 points in a 29-23 game. 

At the start of the third quarter, the Bulldogs took the lead for the first time since the beginning of the game. They would go on to extend their lead to as high as 13, as the Lions couldn't put a stop to Gonzaga's strong offense. The half ended at 52-39, Zags. 

Gonzaga continued to pull away from the Lions in the fourth. The Bulldogs put up a strong offensive effort with senior Zykera Rice at the helm. Three Bulldogs would go on to score in the double digits by the end of the game. Unable to put a stop to Gonzaga's defense and unable to put up points of their own, the Lions broke down towards the end of the game. The final score was 78-53, Gonzaga. 

Despite their loss, the Lions saw some good performances from players like Gabby Green (16 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 assists), Belvin (14 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists) and Chelsey Gipson (10 points, 2 rebounds), who recently returned to the court from injury.

Looking forward, the Lions face Portland in their second conference game on Monday, Dec. 31 at 2 pm. LMU hopes to open up the new year with a win before heading to San Diego and Provo to face the San Diego Toreros and BYU Cougars.