Women’s Basketball: LMU battles but loses twice in NoCal

After a pair of losses in Northern California last week, Loyola Marymount University’s women’s basketball team (4-13) resumes West Coast Conference play at home this weekend, looking to break a five-game winless streak.

A recap of last week’s games: 

Jan. 2: 67-76 at Pacific: Two former local Catholic prep stars combined to lead the Tigers over the Lions at Stockton. Chaminade alum Valerie Higgins scored 27 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, while Alemany graduate Brooklyn McDavid scored 14 with five rebounds. Chelsey Gipson led the Lions in with 22 points and eight rebounds, and Ciera Ellington and Jasmine Jones each scored 12. The game was tied at 51 entering the fourth quarter, but McDavid made two quick baskets to give Pacific the lead for good. 

Jan. 4: 86-70 at St. Mary’s: At Moraga, LMU again played close for three quarters, but the conference-leading Gales turned a three-point lead into a 15-point bulge midway through the final period and were never threatened. Gipson’s season-high 27 points led the Lions. Ellington added 11 points, seven rebounds and five assists, and freshman Laura Vaida from Romania scored 10 points with nine rebounds and four assists.

Upcoming: LMU (0-4 in WCC play) returns to Gersten Pavilion to play San Francisco Jan. 9 and Santa Clara Jan. 11, then takes on Pepperdine Jan. 18 in Malibu.