LAS VEGAS, Nev., -- The Loyola Marymount University women's basketball team put up a strong showing against Louisiana State University, outscoring the Tigers for the first half of the game, but ended up falling 54-52.

"We battled but just gave them too many second shots and we were careless with the ball," said head coach Charity Elliott. "Despite all that, we had a great look at the end and we have a lot we can build on.  We are still trying to find our chemistry and rhythm but I'm excited about what this team can become!"

 
The first quarter started off slow, as the Lions didn't score for the first six minutes of play. Nicole Rodriguez got the Lions on the board first, which started a 13-0 run to give the Lions a double-digit lead. LMU closed out the quarter up 13-4. 
 
LMU continued its momentum in the second quarter, outscoring the Tigers 15-12 and taking another double-digit lead so close out the first half up 28-16. 
 
LSU answered back in the third, opening up the quarter with a 7-0 run. The Tigers outscored the Lions 24-13, but the Lions still closed out the third ahead, 41-40. 
 
The teams were neck and neck throughout the fourth quarter, and were tied with just seconds left to play. LMU fought until the end, but LSU came out with the win, 54-52. 
 
Natalia Klimek led the team in points with nine, while Meghan Mandel and Ariel Johnson had eight a piece. Khari Clark led the team in rebounds with six, while Chelsey Gipson led the team in  steals with three and Johnson led in assists with three. 
 
The Lions shot 48.6 percent from the field, compared to LSU's 39.3. The Lions dominated in points made from behind the arch, with 40 percent, while LSU had 15.4. The team pulled 29 total rebounds, had 11 assists and three blocks. 
 
The team will be back in action on Monday to take on UNLV at 1:00 PM PST. This will conclude non-conference play for the Lions.