LOS ANGELES – The Lions fought hard Thursday night against the Pacific Tigers but came up short, falling 63-49.

Brandi Williams led the way for LMU with 14 points and three rebounds, while Allison Clarke had a strong showing with 10 points on 50% shooting from the field and a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line. Clarke also added two rebounds and two assists.

Maya Hernandez and Naudia Evans each put up nine points. Evans filled the stat sheet with six rebounds and six assists, while Hernandez grabbed seven boards and dished out two assists.

Pacific came out hot, jumping to a 10-point lead with an 8-0 run in the first quarter. Evans sparked the Lions offense with a three-pointer, kicking off a 12-0 run that ended with a Hernandez layup to give LMU a 19-17 lead after one.

The second quarter was tight, with LMU shooting better from the field (36.4%) than Pacific (33.3%). But the Tigers capitalized at the free-throw line, going 6-for-9 and closing the half on a 9-0 run to take a 31-30 lead into the break.

The third quarter was a grind for LMU, as the Lions shot just 3-for-13 from the field and 1-for-7 from deep. Despite the struggles, the Lions stayed in it, only getting outscored 15-13. The game stayed close, with the deficit never stretching beyond five. A foul drawn by Evans at the buzzer led to a free throw, keeping LMU within three heading into the fourth, 46-43.

Pacific took over in the final quarter, shooting 63.6% (7-11) from the field and knocking down three triples. LMU, on the other hand, managed just one field goal, an Evans bucket. The Tigers outscored the Lions by 11 in the period, pulling away for the 63-49 win.

LMU will look to bounce back on Saturday, Feb. 22, at 2 p.m., when they take on the Pepperdine Waves at Gersten Pavilion.