LOS ANGELES -The Lions secured their first conference win of the season on Monday afternoon, defeating the San Diego Toreros, 55-52.

Naudia Evans delivered another standout performance, recording 15 points, seven assists, and four rebounds. She also reached a major career milestone, surpassing 1,000 points after achieving 400 career assists in the previous game against Gonzaga.

Carly Heidger shined with 15 points on efficient shooting, going 6-8 from the field and a perfect 2-2 from beyond the arc. Brandi Williams added 11 points and seven rebounds, while Maya Hernandez contributed 10 points and eight boards.

The first quarter was tight, with the Lions shooting 41.7% from the field compared to the Toreros' 45.5%. The score tied three times before USD ended the quarter with a three-point run to take a 15-12 lead.

LMU regained the lead in the second quarter with a layup by Hernandez, outscoring USD 10-6 to enter halftime ahead, 22-21.

The Lions maintained control in the third quarter, extending their lead to six points on two occasions. Despite a few scoring bursts from the Toreros, LMU stayed ahead, 39-37, heading into the final period.

Heidger took over in the fourth quarter, scoring nine of her 15 points while shooting flawlessly—3-3 from the field, 2-2 from three-point range, and 1-1 from the free-throw line. The game remained close, with the margin never exceeding five points. With just four seconds remaining, San Diego closed the gap to two with a free throw, but Zawadi Ogot sealed the win by sinking a clutch free throw in the final moments.

The Lions will look to build on this momentum when they face the Santa Clara Broncos on Thursday, Jan. 23, at Gersten Pavilion.