LOS ANGELES – Alex Merkviladze grabbed a career-high 12 rebounds as part of his 24-point double-double as the LMU men's basketball team lost to San Francisco, 82-59. Merkviladze leads the team this season with three double-doubles.
 
The Lions trailed 6-2 early before hitting three consecutive baskets to take a lead with 15:51 to play. Lars Thiemann bookended the run with a pair of made field goals.
 
After the Dons rebuilt their lead, Alex Merkviladze hit his first three of the night to bring the Lions back within one, 13-12, with 13:19 on the clock. Merkviladze scored 13 of the next 15 points for LMU, including an And-1 at the 4:42 mark.
 
San Francisco shot 58.6 percent (17-for-29) from the field and 61.5 percent (8-for-13) from three in the first half to take a 43-28 lead at the half.
 
The Dons continued their hot shooting into the second half, scoring the first 10 points after intermission as part of a larger 22-4 run. Merkviladze's third three of the game was LMU's only field goal during that stretch.
 
LMU did not throw in the towel, and used a 9-0 run in less than two and a half minutes of game time to cut into the lead. Michael Graham started and ended the run with offensive rebound putback layups. Graham finished with six rebounds, half of which came off the offensive glass.
 
Will Johnston hit back-to-back threes less than a minute later to pull the Lions within 21 with 7:50 remaining. Johnston added two more jumpers down the stretch to finish with 14 on the night.
 
LMU continues to have just six scholarship players available as the team is fighting through six players with injuries.
 
The Lions will be on the road for two games next week before returning to campus for one final home game on Feb. 29 against San Diego. The Lions will recognize the members of the senior class ahead of that game.
 
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