Jan. 8, 2006

Box Score

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - The Lions came back from a 12 point second half deficit to record a road sweep in the first weekend of WCC play, defeating San Francisco, 64-59, this afternoon at War Memorial Gym. LMU shot 62.5% from the field in the second half, and Valerie Ogoke and Ashlee Dunlap combined for 34 points to lead the Lions to the victory. LMU improves to 8-7 on the season and remains in first place in the WCC with a 2-0 record.

The Dons (5-10, 1-1) pulled out to a 7-2 lead, but a three-pointer by Rachael Ziemann and back to back baskets by Amanda DeCoud helped the Lions even the score at 11-11. The game would remain close for most of the first half. Nickie Warren and Dominique Carter took care of most of the scoring for the Dons, while the Lions used a balance offensive attack in the first half. LMU went cold from the field in the final four minutes, going scoreless and allowing USF to finish the half on a 9-0 run.

USF shot 56% in the first half, while LMU made 32% of its attempts. Warren led all players with 13 first half points, while Valerie Ogoke led LMU with seven points. Ashlee Dunlap led all players with seven rebounds, and the Dons held a 16-15 rebounding advantage in the first half.

San Francisco opened the second half well, taking a 40-28 lead in the first three minutes. But the Lions held strong, and outscored USF 10-1 over the next four minutes to cut the lead to three points, 41-38. The game remained close for the next few minutes, and the Lions took the lead on a Bianca Ziemann jumper at 5:38 to go up 52-51. USF regained the lead briefly, but the Lions kept up their defensive pressure to pull ahead to a four point lead, 59-55, on a Bianca Ziemann jumper at 3:30.

A layup by Warren cut the Lion lead to two points, 61-59, but DeCoud's driving layup with 45 seconds extended the lead back to four points, 63-59. On the next USF possession, Ogoke blocked Carter's shot, and DeCoud recovered the rebound. She was fouled, but missed both free throws. The Dons got the rebound, but DeCoud tipped a pass and the Lions got the ball back. Ogoke was fouled and made the first free throw. Dunlap got the rebound on Ogoke's miss and the Lions were able to run out the clock for the 64-59 win.

Ogoke broke her career-high for points, leading all scorers with 18 points. Dunlap had another phenomenal second half, finishing with 16 points (14 in the second half). She also recorded her seventh double double of the season with 10 rebounds. DeCoud added eight points and three steals, and Bianca Ziemann finished with seven points and four assists.

Warren finished with 21 points and nine rebounds for USF, and Carter had 12 points. Nykia Peace led USF with 10 rebounds and six assists.

LMU shot 62.5% from the field in the second half for the comeback, and outrebounded USF 29-28 for the game. The Lions have now won five straight games, and seven of their last eight games. They return to Gersten Pavilion on Thursday night to host Portland at 7:00pm.

- GO LIONS! -