VERMILLION, SD – On Wednesday night, the Lions stormed back from a double-digit deficit to defeat the South Dakota Coyotes in a hard-fought overtime battle, 71-67.

Maya Hernandez delivered a standout performance, notching her second double-double of the season with a career-high 33 points on an impressive 15-21 shooting and 10 rebounds. Naudia Evans was also a force, recording a double-double with 24 points (9-21 FG, 4-11 3PT), 10 rebounds, and dishing out eight assists.

The game started slowly for LMU, allowing South Dakota to close the first quarter on an 8-0 run and build a commanding 20-9 lead. The Lions struggled offensively in the second quarter, shooting just 35.3% compared to the Coyotes' scorching 60%. However, Evans clutch three-pointer at the buzzer gave LMU a spark heading into halftime, trailing 40-22.

LMU began firing in the third quarter, significantly upping their shooting percentage to 56.3% (9-16), while holding South Dakota to just 31.3%. Hernandez's hot hand helped the Lions outscore the Coyotes 18-12, cutting the deficit to 12 points entering the final quarter, 52-40.

The Lions offense exploded in a dramatic fourth quarter, outscoring South Dakota 20-8. Evans was pivotal, sinking 3-of-4 from beyond the arc as LMU shot a scorching 60% from deep and 53.3% from the field in the quarter. A 9-0 run propelled the Lions into a one-point lead with 38 seconds left, thanks to a layup from Ali'a Matavao, but a late free throw by the Coyotes tied it up at 60-60, sending the game to overtime.

The Lions kept their momentum rolling in overtime, hitting 4 of 7 shots and going on a crucial 5-0 run. Despite two ties in the extra period, LMU's relentless effort secured the 71-67 win.

The Lions next game is against the Utah Valley Wolverines on Friday, Nov. 22, at 6 PM.

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