Behind the top 3-point shooting display in team history, the Loyola Marymount women’s basketball team defeated Cal Poly 86-77 at Mott Gym on Wednesday night.
Lions guard Lisa Helmers hit six 3-pointers en route to a game-high 22 points. Helmers hit half of the team’s dozen 3-pointers, which tied a team record.
In a game of runs, the Lions (6-1) jumped right out of the gate, outscoring Cal Poly 12-0 to start the game. The Mustangs were able to close the gap to 16-14 before LMU went on an 11-0 run, taking a 27-14 lead.
Cal Poly (4-3) was able to battle back, outscoring the Lions 19-10 to end the first half and trail 37-33.
Coming off a week in which she was named co-Big West Conference Player of the Week, Cal Poly senior forward Megan Harrison led the Mustangs with 18 points on 8-of-20 shooting.
Senior forward Lisa McBride had a solid all-around game for the Mustangs, scoring 15 points, grabbing seven rebounds and adding six assists.
Cal Poly was able to get within two on multiple occasions early in the second half before the Lions went on a 15-4 run to take a commanding 56-43 lead with 13:19 remaining.
The Mustangs, who were outrebounded 41-37, would not get within five points the rest of the way.
After scoring 23 points against the Mustangs a year ago, guard Renahy Young hit 10 of 12 free throws on her way to 19 points, and added three rebounds and four assists.
LMU shot 50 percent from the floor while holding the Mustangs to 41.4 percent.
The Lions hit their 12 shots from long range on 24 attempts from behind the arc.
Cal Poly will conclude its five-game homestand by hosting San Francisco at 2 p.m. Sunday in Mott Gym.
– Scott Silvey