After a tight first half, the Loyola Marymount University women's basketball team broke open a close game Dec. 7 to defeat Cal State Northridge 72-53 at the Matadors’ home court.
Gabby Green returned to action after a foot injury to score 19 points, and Brittney Reed added 14 to pace the Lions (6-2), who led by only 27-26 at the half, but pulled ahead by eight at the end of three quarters. LMU then dominated the final period with an 11-0 run that put the game away, as Cierra Belvin had eight rebounds and Andee Velasco six assists.
Sophomore Juliana Lewis, former All-CIF star from St. Anthony High School, had eight rebounds and eight points for CSUN, whose roster also includes freshman Nikki Freeman of Mater Dei.
LMU returns home Dec. 14 against Long Beach State before heading to the Caribbean for the Puerto Rico Classic Dec. 19-21.
Men’s basketball
Except for an early 5-4 deficit, the Loyola Marymount University men's basketball team led the entire game to defeat Cal State Fullerton, 59-49, on Dec. 5 and move to 9-1 on the season.
Senior guard James Batemon led all scorers with 20 points (7-of-7 free throws), and Mattias Markusson, the 7-foot-3 junior center from Sweden, scored 15 on 7-for-9 shooting from the field.
The Lions play at Portland State on Dec. 15 before returning home Dec. 19 to play Boise State.
Mike Nelson is the former editor of The Tidings (predecessor of Angelus News).
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