LOS ANGELES – The Lions kicked off their season with a narrow 64-60 loss to the Utah Valley Wolverines at Gersten Pavilion.
Ivana Krajina made a solid debut for LMU, scoring 15 points and grabbing four rebounds. She was efficient, hitting 5 of 11 shots and nailing four 3-pointers. Carly Heidger added 12 points and four assists, while Maya Hernandez and Jess Lawson each collected eight rebounds, with Hernandez also scoring 11 points.
The Lions started strong, leading by seven points in the first quarter and finishing it up 17-12. However, Utah Valley bounced back in the second quarter, outscoring LMU by ten to take the lead. By halftime, the Lions were slightly ahead, 34-33, thanks to Hernandez leading all scorers with her 11 points. LMU shot 45.8% from the field, compared to UVU’s 42.9%.
Krajina excelled in the third quarter, contributing eight points, including two three-pointers. The team shot remarkably, at 60% from the floor and 80% from behind the arc. They ended the third quarter with a 52-51 lead.
But the fourth quarter was tough for LMU. UVU surged ahead with an 11-0 run and built an eight-point lead. Though the Lions fought back with six consecutive points to close the gap to 62-60, they couldn’t find the basket in the final moments, allowing the Wolverines to secure the win.
Next up, LMU will face the Denver Pioneers on November 9, in hopes of bouncing back.
Additional Insights
This game showcases the competitiveness of college basketball. According to a recent study by the NCAA, the average margin of victory in college basketball games is around 12 points, indicating how closely matched teams can be. The Lions’ ability to stay close against a formidable opponent highlights their potential this season.
Moreover, social media reactions have poured in from fans, with many applauding Krajina for her debut performance. Hashtags like #LionsPride and #LMUBasketball began trending, indicating strong support for the team.
As the season unfolds, it will be interesting to see how LMU will learn from this close game and apply those lessons moving forward. Fans are eager for the next home game, eager to support their team in person. For updates on the team and tickets, visit LMULions.com.
