MANOA, Hawai'i — LMU opened the Bank of Hawai'i Classic with a loss to Hawai'i on Saturday afternoon in the Stan Sheriff Center.

Jess Lawson led the Lions with 15 points, including multiple finishes at the rim. Maya Hernandez added 12 points and five rebounds, and senior Andjela Matic contributed nine points, six boards and four steals while making an impact on both ends.

Hawai'i jumped out to a 7–1 lead before LMU began to chip away, starting with two free throws from Lawson, followed by a layup from Hernandez and another free throw to bring the Lions within one at 7–6.

In the final two minutes of the first quarter, LMU generated several strong defensive stops. A second-chance jumper from Matic gave the Lions their first lead of the game at 10–9 heading into the second quarter.

Hawai'i led throughout the second period, though Matic drilled a three with one second left in the second quarter to close the half 27-23 with Hawai'i leading.

The Lions opened the third quarter with a 6–0 run to take a 31–29 lead, but a late push by Hawai'i sent LMU into the fourth trailing 34–33.

LMU opened the fourth with another six-point run fueled by Lawson and Hernandez to go up 39–34. Hawai'i responded with an 8–2 run and held the lead the rest of the way.

Hernadez made a layup with 38 seconds left in the game to knot things up at 51 before the Bows scored the final four points of the game.

The Lions' defense was a bright spot, forcing 12 turnovers and converting them into 13 points, while dominating second-chance scoring 21–4 thanks to persistent rebounding on the offensive glass.

The game featured six lead changes and four ties.

LMU will finish in the Bank of Hawai'i Classic on Sunday to face Idaho State at 2:00 p.m. (PT).