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Jess Shoots
61
San Diego SD 9-20,3-13 WCC
74
Winner LMU (CA) LMU 19-8,13-3 WCC
San Diego SD
9-20,3-13 WCC
61
Final
74
LMU (CA) LMU
19-8,13-3 WCC
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 F
San Diego SD 5 18 16 22 61
LMU (CA) LMU 22 13 21 18 74

Game Recap: Women's Basketball |

Lions Celebrate Senior Day With Commanding 74-61 Win Over San Diego, Matching Best WCC Record in Program History

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - On a special Senior Day afternoon inside Albert Gersten Pavilion, LMU Women's Basketball delivered the exact kind of performance the moment called for, powering past San Diego 74-61 to close their home slate with emotion, energy, and history. With the victory, the Lions improved to 19-8 overall and 13-3 in WCC play, officially tying the best conference record in program history and adding a meaningful milestone to an already memorable day. 

From the opening tip, LMU looked intent on setting the tone. The Lions opened the game on a dominant run, holding San Diego to just five first-quarter points and racing ahead to a 22-5 lead behind crisp offensive execution and airtight defensive pressure. Freshman Maya Hernandez sparked the early surge with back-to-back baskets inside, and senior Andjela Matic followed with a mid-range jumper to stretch the advantage. LMU's defense forced repeated stops, allowing the Lions to push the pace and dictate the entire first frame.

San Diego briefly settled in during the second quarter, but every push was met with a poised response from the Lions. Hernandez continued scoring at will, Jess Lawson controlled the boards, and Matic's three-point shooting kept LMU in command. Even as USD trimmed the gap, LMU carried a 35-23 lead into halftime, anchored by its early defensive dominance and balanced scoring. 

After halftime, the Lions delivered their strongest punch of the afternoon. LMU erupted for 21 points in the third quarter, stretching the lead to as many as 22 points. Hernandez finished through contact in the paint, Lawson pushed transition offense with her rebounding, and Matic drilled a series of momentum-swinging shots, including a deep three off a turnover that energized the entire arena. The Lions' defense fueled much of the surge, forcing multiple turnovers and turning them into fast-break scores. 

Though San Diego scored 22 in the fourth quarter, LMU never let the Toreros threaten the outcome. Timely scoring, controlled tempo, and composed moments at the free-throw line allowed the Lions to close out Senior Day with confidence and celebration.

The stat lines told the full story of LMU's balanced dominance, as Andjela Matic led all scorers with 23 points, knocking down five threes and adding five steals in another standout performance. In her final regular-season home game, Jess Lawson delivered a commanding 15-point, 14-rebound double-double, while also contributing five assists and two steals to fuel LMU on both ends of the floor. Freshman Maya Hernandez continued her rise with 17 points on 8-of-13 shooting, attacking the paint with poise and efficiency. As a team, the Lions collected 11 steals, generated 17 points off turnovers, and tallied 32 points in the paint, reinforcing their two-way control throughout the afternoon.

As the final buzzer sounded, the Lions not only celebrated their seniors and defended their home floor, they also etched their place in program history. With a 13-3 WCC record, LMU now matches its best conference finish ever from the 2018-19 season, strengthening momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season and postseason play.

The Lions now turn their focus to the final week of the regular season, hitting the road for two pivotal matchups. LMU opens the trip on Wednesday, Feb. 26, when they face the University of San Francisco at 6 PM before closing out conference play on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 1 PM against Oregon State. With momentum and history on their side, the Lions look to finish strong and carry their success into postseason play.
 
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