PULLMAN, WA – The LMU Lions came up short against the Washington State Cougars, falling 63-51 on Thursday night at Beasley Coliseum.

Naudia Evans led all scorers with 20 points, adding five rebounds and four assists. 
Maya Hernandez followed with a strong performance, contributing 17 points and eight rebounds.

Both teams were evenly matched in the first quarter, finishing tied at 14 despite the Cougars' hot shooting at 63.6% from the field compared to LMU's 40%. The Lions were aggressive offensively, earning more trips to the free-throw line, while Hernandez's eight points helped keep them in the game.

LMU started the second quarter strong, scoring the first two baskets thanks to Carly Heidger and Brandi Williams, and held the lead for most of the period. However, a late 7-0 run by WSU shifted momentum, giving the Cougars a 27-24 edge at halftime.

The third quarter was rough for the Lions, who couldn't find their rhythm offensively, shooting just 23.1% from the field and 20% from three. Meanwhile, WSU caught fire, hitting 64.3% overall and 50% from deep, outscoring LMU 21-11 to stretch their lead to 48-35 heading into the fourth.

Even with their best shooting quarter of the night, hitting 53.8% (7-13) from the field, the Lions 16-15 edge in the fourth wasn't enough to erase the deficit.

LMU will look to bounce back on Saturday, Feb. 15, when they face the Gonzaga Bulldogs in Spokane, WA.