LOS ANGELES — Jess Lawson scored a career-high 32 points, but LMU came up just short in an 85–82 overtime loss to San Francisco on Sunday afternoon at Gersten Pavilion.

Lawson added nine rebounds and went 10-for-13 from the free-throw line to lead the Lions across regulation and overtime. Maya Hernandez finished with 19 points and a team-high 10 rebounds, recording a double-double while adding two steals. Andjela Matic scored 13 points, knocking down three three-pointers and dishing out three assists to round out LMU's top scorers.
LMU opened the game with strong defensive energy, forcing early turnovers and converting them into transition points to jump out in front. Hernandez scored the Lions' first basket on a layup off a turnover, and Lawson followed with a fast-break finish as LMU set the early tone. Ivana Krajina later added a steal, and a Matic three-pointer helped push the lead to seven midway through the first quarter.
San Francisco answered late in the period with interior scoring and second-chance opportunities, trimming the margin as LMU carried a 20–17 lead into the second quarter.

The Lions continued to control the tempo early in the second quarter, leaning on balanced scoring and steady execution. A Matic three and consistent trips to the free-throw line from Lawson helped extend the lead to multiple possessions, while Kayla Jones added a finish inside to maintain separation. The Dons responded late, but LMU closed the half composed, taking a 35–31 advantage into halftime.
San Francisco flipped the momentum in the third quarter, outscoring LMU 24–17 behind efficient shooting and strong work in the paint to take a 55–52 lead into the final period. The Dons shot 62.5 percent from the field in the quarter, while LMU stayed within striking distance behind free throws from Lawson and steady interior play from Hernandez.

The Lions battled throughout the fourth quarter as both teams traded baskets and momentum. LMU briefly regained the lead behind aggressive drives from Lawson and timely scoring from Matic, taking a 63–60 edge midway through the period. After Lawson converted a pair of free throws in the final minute to give LMU a three-point lead, San Francisco responded with a game-tying three in the closing seconds to force overtime tied at 74–74.
In the extra period, San Francisco took control early and held off the Lions down the stretch, outscoring LMU 11–8 in overtime. The Dons built a five-point cushion midway through the period with steady free-throw shooting and second-chance points. Carly Heidger briefly pulled LMU within one with a three-pointer, and Hernandez later gave the Lions a short-lived lead with a finish inside, but San Francisco answered with timely baskets and closed the game at the line to secure the road win.

LMU hits the road next, traveling to Malibu to face PCH rival Pepperdine on Thursday at 6 p.m. PT.

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