LOS ANGELES – LMU women's basketball defeated Cal State San Marcos in an exciting 62-51 home opener Friday night.
 
In the opening minutes of the game, Khari Clark, with an assist from Alexis Mark, knocked down a three-pointer putting the Lions within one of the Cougars. The first quarter was a tight one for the Lions and Cougars. A jumper by Nicole Rodriguez would give the Lions a two-point lead, 7-5. With four minutes left in the quarter Ariel Johnson ran through the defense and got the lay-up that extended the lead by four, 11-7.
 
Mark made her appearance in the second, scoring seven points for the Lions. All of Mark's points came from the paint where she dominated. Another Lion who contributed to the quarter was Noelle Yancy getting four points on the board. The Lions had a total of 18 points in the paint.
 
With both teams scoring here and there, LMU went into halftime up by 10, 34-24.
 
Coming out of the locker room the Lions got on the board first with a lay-up by Clark, from Se'Quoia Allmond. The Lions would go on a 3-0 run and lead the Cougars, 39-27. With 4:47 left in the quarter, the momentum shifted in Cal State San Marcos' favor. The Cougars went on a six-point streak coming within four of the Lions, 44-40. At the end of the quarter, the Lions led the Cougars by only two, 47-45. LMU shot 36% from the field this quarter.
 
The fourth quarter was all Mark and Johnson. Back-to-back lay ups by Mark got the Lions going in the opening of the quarter. At 2:59, a made free throw by Johnson would spark drive for the Lions. The Lions would go on a 4-0 run bringing the score to, 57-49 with 1:50 left in the game. LMU had it in the bag, but a lay-up by Mark sealed the deal for the Lions. 
 
Mark led both teams with 19 points while Amaya Oliver led both teams with nine rebounds.
 
The Lions next game will be Nov. 15 against the Denver Pioneers in Denver, Co.
 
Season Tickets:
It's not too late for fans to have the opportunity to buy season tickets. Purchase your season tickets for all ticketed sports at www.LMULions.com/tickets

Mobile Ticket Information & Entry Procedures:
To provide an efficient and safe experience for our fans; we utilize mobile ticketing delivery through the AXS app. Mobile ticketing allows fans to enter LMU athletic venues via their mobile app instead of a physical, paper ticket. Make sure to have your ticket available on your phone upon arrival to ensure the quickest entry process. For assistance, please call 310-338-LION (5466).

Donate Today:
Fans interested in making a contribution to the Lions Athletic Fund can do so by clicking here. Your gift will help provide a transformational student-athlete experience athletically, academically, and culturally for every LMU student-athlete. We appreciate your continued support of LMU Athletics. 
 
Follow Along with The Action:
For complete coverage of Loyola Marymount University athletics, visit LMULions.com. We encourage you to follow along with all the action on social media as well. Follow along by following us on Twitter, liking us on Facebook, and following us on Instagram.