LOS ANGELES – Loyola Marymount women's basketball team defeated the Pacific Tigers for the second time this season, 69-66, as the Lions celebrated Black History Month with a victory at Gersten Pavilion.

The Lions were able to get ahead early in the game, as they took control in the first quarter.
 
Alexis Mark and Jasmine Jones were a force to be reckoned with on defense and rebounds in the first quarter. Mark piled up five rebounds in the first quarter alone, while Jones was able to hit some clutch shots to give the Lions an early lead.
 
Headed into the second with the lead, 13-8, the Lions were determined to keep momentum on their side. Cassandra Gordon hit two three-point daggers, along with Aspyn Adams' clutch three, was all the Lions needed to keep the energy going.
 
Ariel Johnson also got on the board for the Lions, while drawing fouls forcing her to the free throw line several times in the first half.
 
With the score, 35-24, at halftime, the Tigers were able to draw up a strategy to help them make a small comeback in the third quarter.
 
The second half was full of surprises as the Lions were able to score multiple points on fast breaks.
Alexis Mark led the charge the entire game as she continued her surge in the third quarter scoring the Lions first six points.
 
Late in the third quarter, Ariel Johnson was able to score two straight baskets on fast breaks to help increase the lead.

The fourth quarter was one to remember as the Tigers fought hard to bring the lead down to just one point.
 
However, the Lions were not letting up and it showed. The Tigers took the lead with .36 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Alexis Mark made a tough layup to give the Lions the lead and overall the win after Johnson's free throws sealed the deal.
 
Mark finished the game with a double-double, producing a career-high 17 points, 11 rebounds, while shooting 70% from the field. Johnson finished the game with 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Jones finished 80% from the free throw line with 13 points and 5 rebounds.

The Lions are now 4-11 in the conference, and 9-16 overall.

The Lions will host San Francisco on Thursday, Feb 24 for LMU's Senior Night.  The conference game can be seen on the WCC Network, with tip-off from Gersten Pavilion set for 7 pm.