MALIBU, Calif. — LMU earned an 83–78 overtime road victory at Pepperdine on Thursday night, rallying from a late deficit and closing the game at the free-throw line to secure the PCH rivalry win at Firestone Fieldhouse.

Maya Hernandez led the Lions with 21 points and eight rebounds, shooting 7 of 14 from the field and 7 of 9 at the free-throw line. Andjela Matic added 20 points on 7-for-10 shooting, connecting on four 3-pointers and dishing out four assists. Ivana Krajina finished with 10 points, four assists and two steals, while Kayla Jones chipped in 10 points on 5-of-8 shooting to round out LMU's balanced scoring effort.

Pepperdine controlled the opening quarter with efficient shooting and consistent interior pressure, building a 23–17 lead after one. The Waves scored on four of their first five possessions and capitalized on second-chance opportunities as LMU struggled to convert early looks from the perimeter.

LMU responded in the second quarter with increased physicality and improved rebounding. Hernandez provided a spark inside with multiple second-chance baskets, while Matic knocked down a key 3-pointer and Jones finished through contact in the paint. Pepperdine briefly pushed the lead back to double digits, but LMU closed the half strong, trimming the deficit to 39–37 at the break.
The Lions seized momentum in the third quarter, outscoring the Waves 20–9 to take control of the game. LMU held Pepperdine to 3-of-12 shooting in the period, forcing turnovers and limiting second chances. Matic and Krajina connected from the perimeter, Jones scored efficiently inside, and Hernandez anchored the effort on the glass as LMU carried a 57–48 lead into the fourth.

Pepperdine answered in the final period, chipping away with aggressive play in the paint and timely baskets to force overtime. LMU briefly stretched the lead to eight midway through the quarter, but the Waves closed regulation strong. Pepperdine tied the game at 73 with a layup in the closing seconds, and LMU's final attempt at the buzzer was blocked.

LMU pulled away in overtime, outscoring Pepperdine 10–5 behind disciplined execution and free-throw shooting. Paula Reus Piza opened the extra period with a basket in the paint, Hernandez went 6-for-6 from the line in overtime, and Matic sealed the win with a pair of late free throws. Allison Clarke capped the effort with a defensive stop in the closing moments as the Lions limited Pepperdine to 2-of-6 shooting in overtime.

LMU returns home next to host Oregon State on Thursday, Jan. 15 at 6 p.m. inside Gersten Pavilion.