by LOGAN, Utah — Utah State women’s basketball came back from a 15-point halftime deficit but was unable to escape with the victory in a 69-66 loss to Loyola Marymount on Friday night.
LMU struck quickly to build an 8-2 lead through the first minute of play, briefly extending the lead to double digits in the first quarter. Utah State trimmed the lead back down to three points at 23-20 via a 9-2 run bridging the first and second quarters. The Lions countered with a 14-4 run to again stretch the lead into double digits. LMU entered halftime with a 43-28 cushion.
In the second half, the Aggies again stormed back from a double-digit deficit, starting the quarter on a 20-5 run to tie the game at 48. Utah State would eventually take their first lead of the game at 55-52 off a made 3-pointer from sophomore Faith Brantley early in the fourth quarter.
Senior E’Lease Stafford (Navajo) added 11 points plus four steals and two blocks. Senior Laci Hawthorne posted a team-high seven rebounds on the night along with seven points and two assists. Senior Emmie Harris played a key role in USU’s second-half comeback with two points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal off the bench. Junior Shyla Latone (Zuni Pueblo) also made her season debut on Friday, playing five minutes.
“Our biggest thing right now that we’ve got to focus on is getting healthy and getting some rest,” coach Ard said. “We’ve been going for 10 straight days without a day off so our kids are exhausted. Tomorrow’s an off day, a much needed off day… We’ve got to get healthy and take care of our bodies a little bit and then get back to work.”
