LOS ANGELES — LMU responded with poise and purpose Sunday afternoon, using defensive pressure, balanced scoring, and late-game execution to secure a 76–68 victory over Southern Utah at Gersten Pavilion.

Maya Hernandez led LMU with 11 points while adding five rebounds and a block, earning All-Tournament honors. Jess Lawson finished with a game-high 17 points and seven rebounds, attacking the rim and getting to the free-throw line throughout the afternoon. Andjela Matic orchestrated the offense with 10 points and a game-high seven assists, while Paula Reus Piza chipped in 11 points and six rebounds off the bench as the Lions showcased balanced scoring.

LMU set the tone early, using defensive intensity and efficient transition offense to build a commanding first-quarter lead. The Lions opened the game on a 10–0 run and never trailed, forcing turnovers and capitalizing in the open floor. Lawson sparked the early surge with fast-break finishes, while Allison Clarke and Zawadi Ogot converted off takeaways to extend the margin. Matic knocked down a transition three midway through the quarter as LMU controlled the tempo and closed the opening frame with a 23–11 advantage.


"You're going to get knocked down — how are you going to respond?" head coach Aarika Hughes said. "I thought our response today, especially coming off a tough loss, showed a lot about who this group is."
The Lions continued to control the game in the second quarter, leaning on defensive pressure and trips to the free-throw line to maintain separation. Lawson fueled an early run by drawing contact in transition and converting at the stripe, while Matic provided a steady presence in the paint and at the line. Ivana Krajina added points in transition as LMU limited clean possessions and carried a 37–26 lead into halftime.

LMU maintained its composure coming out of the break, relying on balanced scoring and strong ball movement to keep Southern Utah at bay in the third quarter. Maya Hernandez scored consistently in the paint, while Kayla Jones added energy with second-chance finishes around the rim. Reus Piza delivered a key spark off the bench, knocking down a three-pointer off a turnover before following it with a strong layup in traffic. Matic orchestrated the offense, recording multiple assists as LMU entered the fourth holding a 54–50 advantage.

"That third quarter told us a lot," Hughes said. "They responded, cut the lead, and we didn't fall apart. It didn't matter who was on the floor — we were able to hold it together."

The Lions closed the game with poise in the final period, leaning on defensive pressure and efficient free-throw shooting to pull away late. Reus Piza steadied LMU midway through the quarter with an offensive rebound and a pair of free throws, while Lawson attacked the rim and converted at the line during a critical stretch. Hernandez capped the effort with a driving layup in the final two minutes, and LMU sealed the win by going 14-for-15 from the free-throw line in the quarter.

"We're a deep team," Hughes said. "It can be anybody's night, and when we're playing together and in rhythm, that can really mess with teams."

Hernandez led the Lions with a strong all-around performance and was later recognized for her efforts throughout the tournament.

The Lions will open West Coast Conference play on the road Saturday, Dec. 28, at Gonzaga.

LMU Christmas Classic All-Tournament Team
 Ant Emma Nnopu, Weber State
 Lanae Billy, Weber State
 Maya Hernandez, Loyola Marymount
 Sierra Chambers, Southern Utah
Most Valuable Player: Ava Uhrich, Southern Utah
 

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