STOCKTON, Calif. — Loyola Marymount used balanced scoring and sustained defensive pressure to earn a 74–54 road victory over Pacific on Saturday afternoon at the Alex G. Spanos Center, improving to 5–2 in West Coast Conference play.

Andjela Matić led the Lions with 15 points, knocking down two three-pointers and adding three steals while setting the tone defensively. Jess Lawson followed with 12 points, six rebounds and four assists, consistently finishing at the rim and facilitating offense. Maya Hernandez added 14 points on efficient shooting, and Carly Heidger provided a physical presence throughout, contributing six points, four rebounds and two steals as LMU controlled the game on both ends.
LMU came out sharp in the opening quarter, pairing defensive pressure with efficient execution to jump out to an early double-digit lead. Hernandez scored the Lions' first four points inside, and Heidger followed with a pair of baskets off turnovers to push LMU ahead 6–0. The Lions continued to force tough looks and capitalize in transition, with Lawson converting a fast-break layup and Matić knocking down a three to extend the advantage. LMU closed the period on an 8–2 run, highlighted by Ana Milanovic's late finish in the paint, and carried a 22–9 lead into the second quarter after holding Pacific to 30.8 percent shooting.

The Lions maintained control in the second quarter, extending the margin behind balanced scoring and steady defense. Ivana Krajina provided a spark with strong finishes in the paint and crisp ball movement, while Kayla Jones delivered timely interior buckets to keep LMU in rhythm. Pacific briefly cut into the lead midway through the period, but LMU answered with composed half-court execution and disciplined shot selection. The Lions outscored the Tigers 14–11 in the quarter to take a 36–20 advantage into halftime.

LMU came out of the locker room with purpose in the third quarter, turning the period into a decisive stretch. The Lions leaned on defensive pressure to force turnovers and converted them into points, pushing the lead past 20 midway through the quarter. Hernandez scored through contact in the paint, Lawson attacked off turnovers and got to the free-throw line, and Heidger and Krajina added steady contributions as LMU closed the period ahead 53–34.
The Lions continued to assert control in the fourth quarter with inside scoring and physical rebounding. After Pacific briefly responded, LMU answered with a timely three to restore a comfortable margin. A late steal led to a fast-break layup that effectively sealed the game, as the Lions closed the afternoon with disciplined defense and efficient execution.

LMU returns home Thursday night to host Portland at 6 p.m. inside Gersten Pavilion, entering the matchup at 5–2 in WCC play.