NORTHRIDGE, Calif.- After a tough road loss in Denver last week, the Lions battled back to defeat Cal State University Northridge in a game that remained fairly close until the fourth quarter. The lions would take the road game and extend their record to 6-2. 

Brittney Reed put LMU on the board first, but the team was met with a quick response from CSUN. The Lions and Matadors went back and forth throughout the first quarter until a 4-0 run from Gabby Green and Meghan Mandel gave the Lions a small lead going into the second quarter.

The game continued to be a close battle throughout the second. Two missed free throws from CSUN's Meghann Henderson would allow the Lions to end the half on a tight margin, 27-26.

A combined effort from Andee Velasco and Cierra Belvin early in the third quarter extended LMU's lead to 6. The team continued to pull ahead, and entered the fourth quarter leading by 12 points. 

An 11-0 run from the Lions began the fourth, extending their lead to 21, the highest margin of the game. LMU would then go on to defeat the Matador's 72-53. 

LMU felt the presence of key player Green tonight, as she returned to action after suffering from a foot injury. Green led the team with 19 points, 2 rebounds, an assist, block, and a steal. Head Coach Charity Elliott was happy about Green's return to the court, describing her as "a player who gives so much to the team." Coach Elliott also praised the performance of other dominant players, such as Reed (14 points, 2 steals), Velasco (9 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists) and Belvin (3 points, 8 rebounds, 2 Assists, 2 blocks). Overall, Coach Elliott attributes the win to a "great team effort and a hard battle."          

The Lions will take a few days off to prepare for finals before they return home to face Long Beach State on Friday, Dec. 14. They head abroad to compete in the three game Puerto Rico Classic on Dec. 19-21.