Box Score

USDvsLMUbox2

SAN DIEGO â€" Behind a career-high 23 points from sophomore guard Marcus Harris, the USD Toreros held off the LMU Lions 77-69 at the Jenny Craig Pavilion this afternoon. Senior captain Jito Kok matched his career-high of 17 points, including a perfect 5-for-5 from the free throw line (4-4 down the stretch). With 3 more blocked shots he also moved into the No. 3 spot among WCC players all-time with 247.

"I was happy because we showed some toughness," said head coach Lamont Smith. "LMU controlled the game most of the contest, but down the stretch we closed with an 18-3 run. We got some stops and I thought our final seven minutes were outstanding. I was very happy for our guys."

The first half saw the team's battle to a 37-37 tie. USD (7-14, 2-8 WCC) was paced by Marcus Harris with 11 points on 4-7 shooting (3-6 in threes), while LMU received 10 points from Adom Jacko. USD converted 7-14 three-pointers, and 8-of-10 free throws. The Toreros also had 10 assists credited to their 11 first half buckets.

In the second half LMU (10-12, 3-8 WCC) pulled out to a seven point lead on five different times with the last coming at 66-59 with 7:08 to go off a Brandon Brown jumper. Marcus Harris answered with a three-pointer that began USD's 18-3 run to close out the contest. Harris had 8 of those points and Kok chipped in with 6 points.

For the game USD made 10-of-20 threes and a solid 23-of-28 from the free throw line. LMU received a team-high 20 points from Adom Jacko and out-rebounded USD 36-29. Lions' forward David Humphries came off the bench to chip in with 8 points and 10 rebounds.

The Toreros return to the JCP next week for home games against Pacific (Thur., Feb. 4th, 7pm) and Saint Mary's College (Sat., Feb. 6th, 6pm).