PULLMAN, Wash. — LMU controlled the game with defensive pressure and disciplined execution, pulling away in the second half to earn a 67–58 road win over Washington State on Tuesday night in a West Coast Conference matchup at Beasley Coliseum moving to 1–1 in conference play.
Jess Lawson led the Lions with 16 points and 11 rebounds, recording a double-double while adding a milestone moment at the free-throw line for the 1,000th point of her career. Andjela Matic followed with 12 points and five assists, knocking down four three-pointers, while Ivana Krajina added seven points, including timely finishes in transition. Paula Reus Piza chipped in eight points off the bench, and Maya Hernandez contributed eight points and three rebounds in the paint.
LMU opened the game with defensive pressure and early energy, forcing turnovers and converting second-chance opportunities to take an early lead. Carly Heidger scored on the opening possession, and Lawson followed with a second-chance layup off a takeaway as the Lions jumped out to a 4–0 advantage. Krajina added a finish in the paint as LMU continued to generate stops, though Washington State responded with a late run to take a 16–12 edge after one.
The Lions settled in during the second quarter, matching physical play with timely shot-making and trips to the free-throw line. LMU answered momentum swings by leaning on the glass, with Hernandez powering through contact for a second-chance finish and Matic connecting from deep to keep the Lions close. A key steal by Allison Clarke led to a fast-break layup from Krajina late in the half, and Matic knocked down a late three to erase the deficit and send the game into halftime tied at 28–28.
LMU seized control coming out of the break, using defensive pressure and second-chance scoring to create separation in the third quarter. The Lions forced turnovers early, converting them into transition points and paint touches as the lead grew. Lawson steadied the quarter at the line, reaching the 1,000-point milestone, while Hernandez and Reus Piza finished inside to maintain momentum. Clarke capped the surge with a jumper just before the horn, pushing LMU's advantage to 13 heading into the fourth.
The Lions maintained control in the final period, responding to early pressure with defensive stops and execution in the half court. Lawson and Zawadi Ogot finished inside to steady the lead, while Reus Piza delivered key second-chance free throws in the final minutes. LMU closed the game with composure, knocking down timely free throws and limiting second looks to secure the win.
LMU finished with 21 points off turnovers and 18 second-chance points, outscored Washington State 11–4 on the fast break and 19–7 off the bench, and committed just seven turnovers on the night.
The Lions return to Los Angeles to open conference play at home against Santa Clara on Friday, Jan. 2, at 6 p.m. PT inside Gersten Pavilion.
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