MALIBU, Calif., -- Loyola Marymount women's basketball players Bree Alford and Chelsey Gipson both set career highs against PCH rival Pepperdine in Malibu, Calif. on Saturday, as Gipson tallied 29 points, while Alford set her career high in rebounds with 18. 
 
The two career highs led the Lions to overtime, however LMU (10-9, 3-4) lost its hard-fought battle, falling to the Waves (11-6, 5-2) 95-86. 
 
"Tough finish for us today but Chelsey and Bree were phenomenal tonight," said head coach Charity Elliott. "Bree played like a warrior...took a huge charge and grabbed 18 rebounds. Chelsey was just locked in and hitting shots.  We made too many mental mistakes down the stretch but we can learn and grow from this game."
 
The Lions had an explosive first quarter, putting 25 points on the board, while the Waves had 17. The Lions dominated in rebounds with 15, eight of them being from Alford.  Gipson led the first quarter in points with 10, which included two three-pointers.  
 
LMU kept the momentum going in the second half, as the team maintained the lead, while scoring 18 points and collecting nine rebounds. The Lions closed the half up 43-35. 
 
The Waves outscored the Lions, 17-11, in the third quarter, forcing two lead changes, giving LMU only a two-point advantage going into the fourth quarter. 
 
The fourth quarter was neck and neck, as both teams battled it out, forcing several lead changes. Alford's basket in the fourth quarter resulted in her second consecutive double-double this week.  
 
Down by three, Gipson tied things up after she hit her fifth free-throw, forcing the Waves to overtime. 
 
LMU pushed through overtime, but couldn't hold on, as they were outscored by Pepperdine 24-15, resulting in a final score of 95-86. 
 
The Lions will hit the road next week to take on Pacific on Thursday and Saint Mary's on Saturday.