LAS VEGAS – Nicole Rodriguez achieved a new career high with 26 points as the Lions defeated the Saint Mary's Gaels, 78-62, in the WCC Championship semifinals on Friday afternoon.
 
Soufia Inoussa delivered a solid performance, contributing 12 points on 5-9 shooting, along with three rebounds, three steals, and two assists.
 
Da'ja Hamilton had a terrific performance off the bench, scoring 11 points, grabbing five rebounds, and dishing out four assists. 
 
Amaya Oliver added 10 points to the scoreboard, while Alexis Mark dominated with 11 rebounds.
 
LMU took an early lead with a fast break layup from Mark, but the Gaels fought back and ended the first quarter with an 18-15 lead.
 
In the second quarter, the Lions shot 54.5% from the field and 80% from the free throw line. Crucial free throws from Oliver brought them within one point of the Gaels at 22-21. 
Rodriguez's three-pointer with 4:33 on the clock sparked a 7-0 run for LMU, giving them a 30-26 lead. The highlight of the quarter was the buzzer-beater three-pointer by Rodriguez that kept the Lions up at the half, 33-29.
 
During the first half, the Lions scored 12 points in the paint, and Rodriguez already had 16 points.
 
In the third quarter, the Lions maintained momentum with Oliver's three-point play. Later in the quarter, the Gaels would go on a 10-point run, regaining the lead by four, 43-39. LMU responded with three-pointers from Sydney Gandy and Rodriguez, ending the quarter with a slim 48-47 lead.
 
The Lions dominated the fourth quarter, extending their lead with back-to-back baskets from Maya Hernandez and Hamilton. Inoussa shined with a crucial three-pointer at 3:26. Both Inoussa and Hamilton led the quarter with eight points. LMU closed the game with seven consecutive points and a remarkable 72.7% shooting percentage, the highest for a quarter this season.
 
The Lions will face the Portland Pilots tomorrow at 3:30 PM in the next stage of the tournament.