Box Score LOS ANGELES – Loyola Marymount women's basketball team defeated the Saint Mary's Gaels, 71-64, to advance to the third round of the WCC Conference tournament.
The Lions came out of the gate smoking hot, as they went on an 8-0 run to start the round two conference match up with the Gaels.
The Lions' defense was off the charts, holding the Gaels to just six points, as they shot 3-19 from the field, forcing five turnovers in the first quarter.
The Lions went 3-5 from the perimeter in the first quarter as
Cassandra Gordon,
Jasmine Jones, and
Aspyn Adams kick started the Lions run.
Headed into the second quarter with the score, 18-6, the Lions continued to play phenomenal defense forcing another seven turnovers, while still taking advantage of their range from the outside.
Overall, the Lions went 48% from the field in the first half with the score, 34-25, at halftime. The Lions had a total of six steals in the first half.
The second half started with LMU going on another run, as they scored five straight points, while forcing the Gaels to miss their first three shots.
Alexis Mark attacked the basket early in the third quarter, scoring two straight buckets to compliment the Lions run.
The Gaels would not give up, going on an 8-0 run to bring the lead down to just five points with three minutes remaining in the third quarter. They were able to score the last five of their seven shots.
Lions headed into the fourth quarter with a four-point lead, 49-46, looking to close out round two just like yesterday. They were able to keep momentum after the Gaels closed in on LMU, decreasing the lead to just two.
With five minutes remaining, the Lions held the lead, 55-50, as the Lions were able to force fouls, getting to the line and controlling the remainder of the game.
The entire starting five for the Lions ended up with double digits in scoring for the Lions sealing the win and moving on.
Alexis Mark finished the game with 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. Gordon finished with 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists, while Jones finished the game with 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists.
Ariel Johnson also finished with 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. The Lions held the Gaels to just 39% from the field and forced 16 turnovers.
The Lions are advancing to round three of the West Coast Conference Tournament, where they will face No. 4 ranked Portland Pilots on Saturday, Mar. 5. Tip-off is set for 1:30 p.m. PST at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, NV.
