LOS ANGELES – The LMU Lions women’s basketball team beat the Cal State Fullerton Titans1
64-61 in overtime on Wednesday afternoon at the Gersten Pavilion.
The Titans had a chance to win in regulation but missed a crucial free throw with 9 seconds left
while the score was tied 52-52, sending the game into overtime.
With 1:05 remaining in regulation, the Titans led 52-49 and seemed on track to secure their first
win of the season. However, LMU’s Brandi Williams launched a contested three-pointer with the
shot clock winding down, drew a foul, and made all three free throws to tie the game at 52-52.
On the very next inbounds play, Aixchel Hernandez of the Titans was fouled but missed both
free throws. LMU also failed to score on their possession, and the game moved into overtime.
In overtime, the Titans faced significant foul trouble. Not only did starting guard Aaliyah Stanton
foul out, and both Hernandez and Eva Levingston were playing with four fouls a piece.
Hernandez fouled out early in the extra period, leaving the Titans shorthanded. LMU took
advantage, scoring easy layups and outscoring the Titans 12-9 in overtime. Despite two big
three-pointers by Demonnie Lagway that kept Fullerton within a possession, the Lions ultimately
held on for the win.
After the Lions took a 63-61 lead with 13 seconds left, the Titans made a crucial turnover on
their inbound play, giving LMU possession. The Lions made 1-of-2 free throws to extend their
lead to 64-61 with 7 seconds remaining. With zero timeouts remaining, the Titans rushed down
the court but were unable to convert a three-pointer to force double overtime.
Demonnie Lagway led all scorers with a career-high 18 points and made 4 three-pointers. While
no other Titan reached double figures, all eight players scored at least one point. Freshman
Layla Davis made a solid debut, contributing 6 points and 5 rebounds off the bench.
The Titans outshot the Lions 35% to 34% but were outrebounded 46-38. Once again, free throw
shooting was a key factor in the game, as LMU made 20-of-27 free throws, while the Titans
struggled, shooting just 9-of-18 from the line.
LMU will look to continue their winning streak on Wednesday Dec. 4 against Life Pacific at 6PM
at home.
