LAS VEGAS – The tenth seeded Loyola Marymount University women's basketball team concluded its 2019-20 season on Thursday after playing a hard-fought game against the seventh seeded Saint Mary's at the West Coast Conference Championships at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas Nev. CiCi Ellington set her career high in points with 25. The Lions came up short, falling to the Gaels 72-63. 
 
The Lions had a strong first quarter, as Ellington went on a 6-0 run to give LMU an early lead. There were three lead changes The Lions went on a 10-3 run to end the first up 20-14. 
 
The Lions continued to push in the second quarter, while Ellington maintained her momentum, scoring in double digits halfway through the second. LMU closed out the half in a 36-36 tie with the Gaels. 
 
Ellington tied her career high early in the third. After a neck and neck battle, the Lions lost their lead, leaving the third down 54-50. 
 
LMU was able to come within two points fourth quarter, but the team was never able to reclaim its lead. Ellington marked her career high in the fourth, with 25 points. The Lions closed out the game down 71-63. 
 
This is the second straight season that Saint Mary's has eliminated the Lions in the WCC Championships. 
 
Ellington had a stellar game for the Lions, leading in points with 25, assists with three, steals with four and coming in second on the team in assists with eight. 
 
Khari Clark led the Lions in rebounds with nine, while Laura Vaida was second on the team in points with 10. 
 
LMU went 41 percent from the field, 26.7 percent from behind the arch and 60 percent from the free throw line. The Lions finish 7-25 on the season and 3-16 in conference play. 
 
The Lions will look towards their 2020-21 season and will only be graduating one freshman, Raychel Stanley.