LOS ANGELES - The Lions took down the Denver Pioneers, 79-61, in a high-scoring matchup. Alexis Mark led the way with a career-high, and double-double, of 24 points and 10 rebounds.
 
"Alexis Mark was phenomenal this evening; to have a leading rebounder be a guard is something we've worked on," said head coach Aarika Hughes. "She's making her free throws, she had 10 rebounds, 24 points, and was everywhere out on the floor."
 
This win held special significance for LMU, as they avenged a narrow three-point loss to the Pioneers last season,73-70.
 
Amaya Oliver showcased her skills throughout the game, cumulating a career-high 18 points. Oliver's all-around contribution included eight rebounds, two assists, one block, and one steal. Her defensive limited Denver's Minnet to just five points, a significant improvement from Minnet's 18 points and 18 rebounds in the previous season.
"I know she [Amaya Oliver] took personal pride in her defense tonight," says Hughes.
 
Additionally, Nicole Rodriguez finished with 13 points, and Da'Ja Hamilton contributed 11 points, both reaching double figures.
 
A noteworthy stat came from Soufia Inoussa, who, despite playing at the guard position, secured 11 rebounds and made significant contributions on both ends of the court.
 
The Lions collectively tallied 22 assists and 38 rebounds, delivering an exceptional overall performance.
 
The Pioneers secured the initial lead on the scoreboard in the first quarter, yet the Lions promptly responded with a two-point shot from Amaya Oliver and a three-pointer courtesy of Soufia Inoussa. Sydney Gandy further extended the Lions' advantage with a successful three-pointer, granting them a five-point lead.
 
As the Pioneers began closing the gap, they managed to tie the game at 15-15 through a successful three-pointer. However, Rodriguez quickly responded with a three-pointer of her own. The Lions finished the quarter with a strong 6-0 run, establishing a lead of 25-18.
 
Mark shot the ball with remarkable efficiency in the second quarter, shooting 3-3 from the field and 2-2 from the line, helping the Lions enter halftime with a 37-30 lead.
 
The Lions hit 8-16 (50.0) from the field in the third quarter while limiting Denver to 5-13 (38.5). This performance from the Lions helped push them to a 54-45 lead going into the last quarter.
 
In the fourth quarter, the Pioneers were able to close the gap to under 15 points on six occasions, but for the Lions, their biggest lead of the game was 21 points after a made layup from Oliver. The Pioneers made a few baskets here and there, but LMU closed out the game with a victory of, 79-61.
 
The Lions return home for a matchup against the South Dakota Coyotes on Sunday, Dec. 3, at 2 PM inside Gersten Pavilion.
 
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