LOS ANGELES – The Lions lost to the Santa Clara Broncos, 63-49, in Gersten Pavilion Thursday Night. 
 
Throughout the game, the Lions faced the challenge of playing without Amaya Oliver, one of their most efficient players, who sustained a sprained ankle in the first quarter. 
 
In her absence, several players had to rise to the occasion.
 
"Our dept is our strength.", said Coach Aarika Hughes. "All year, we've had people out of the starting lineup or whatever reason or injuries even in non-conference, so we're hoping that she can recover."
 
Maya Hernandez stepped up in Oliver's absence, leading the Lions to with 11 points and two blocks.
Da'Ja Hamilton also contributed 11 points during the game.
LMU faced a challenge in scoring baskets, registering a field goal percentage of only 36.4%. However, they found solace in their free throw shooting, achieving an impressive 78.6% from the line.
 
The Lions took an early lead with three points from Da'Ja Hamilton, but the Broncos responded with a 7-0 run, seizing a 7-3 advantage. Building on their momentum, the Broncos increased their lead by 10. However, in the quarter's final minute, the Lions displayed remarkable hustle, scoring baskets and narrowing the deficit. As the first quarter concluded, the Broncos maintained a four-point lead at 19-15 heading into the second quarter.
 
LMU started the second quarter by scoring the initial five points. About five minutes into the quarter, Ella Wedin's three-pointer extended the Lions' lead to their largest margin of two points, making it 26-24. The rest of the quarter stayed competitive, with the score leveling three more times before the Broncos secured a basket, giving them a two-point lead as the teams headed into halftime with a score of 35-33.
 
In the third quarter, the Broncos achieved a 50% shooting accuracy, extending their lead by 11 points to make it 51-40. With 1:09 remaining in the quarter, a three-point shot narrowed the Lions deficit to single digits, but Santa Clara responded with a layup to conclude the quarter, maintaining a lead of 53-43. As they entered the fourth quarter, the Lions managed to score only six points, yet displayed an aggressive playstyle that led them to the free-throw line three times. Hamilton secured the sole field goal for the Lions with 30 seconds remaining, resulting in a final score of 63-49 in favor of the Broncos.
 
The Lions next game is Feb. 8 against the Portland Pilots at 6 PM in Portland. OR.
 
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