LOS ANGELES – In a game that featured LMU shooting above 52 percent from the field in each half and 54 percent from the game, it was Grand Canyon that pulled out the win, 78-72.
 
The Lions took the lead for the first time on an 11-0 run that included three layups by Dameane Douglas who finished with 12 points on 6-for-8 shooting. LMU pushed it to 11 points with a Douglas Dunk breakaway at the 7:03 mark of the first half.
 
The Antelopes used a 10-2 to make it a one-possession game, before Joe Quintana hit a layup to make it a 33-28 lead at the break. Quintana added 10 points and two steals in the game.
 
After being shutout in the first half, Keli Leaupepe scored all 10 of his points after intermission including an opening three to extend the lead to eight points. GCU climbed all the way back to take a 52-50 lead with 9:44 to play before Leaupepe tied it back up at 48-all on LMU's ensuing possession.
 
From that point, the Antelopes built the lead up to as high as nine on a few different occasions.
 
Eli Scott scored the final six points of the game for the Lions to add to his team-high 25 points, but the Lions were unable to get it closer than within two possessions. Scott shot 10-14 from the field, added six rebounds, and went perfect from the free throw line with four makes.
 
Grand Canyon was able to pull away on second chance points, leading the Lions 17-2 in that category, as well as holding a 23-8 advantage in points off turnovers.
 
Four players finished in double figures for the Lions, with Cam Shelton contributing an additional nine points, eight assists, and no turnovers.
 
LMU's 42.9 percent (6-for-14) shooting from three is a season-best.
 
LMU will open December with two road games, beginning with at Long Beach State on Saturday before continuing on the road to play at Tulsa on Dec. 7.