Los Angeles – In an exciting matchup on Saturday evening, the San Francisco Dons triumphed over the Loyola Marymount Lions with a final score of 72-66, thanks in large part to Marcus Williams, who contributed 19 points and showcased his defensive prowess with three steals. The victory improved San Francisco’s standing to 20 wins and 6 losses, marking their 10th win in the West Coast Conference with a record of 10-3.

Ryan Beasley was another key player for the Dons, as he scored 18 points on an efficient shooting night. Beasley demonstrated his accuracy, going 4 for 7 from the field and hitting 2 out of 4 three-point attempts while also converting all eight of his free throws. Malik Thomas added 14 points to the tally, shooting 4 for 12 overall, including 2 of 5 from beyond the arc, and making 4 out of 6 free throws.

On the other side, the Lions, who now hold a record of 14-10 and 6-6 in conference play, saw their scoring efforts led by Alex Merkviladze. He put up 14 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, showcasing a solid all-around performance. Both Will Johnston and Jan Vide also made significant contributions for Loyola Marymount, each finishing the game with 14 and 13 points, respectively.

The Dons established a strong lead, heading into halftime with a 36-28 advantage. Thomas made a significant impact during the first half, scoring 11 points. In the second half, San Francisco capitalized on an 8-0 run to not only erase a one-point deficit but also surge ahead to a 65-58 lead with just 4:55 left in play. Williams was particularly effective in the second half, pouring in 14 of his points during that stretch to help secure the win.

Looking ahead, San Francisco will face a challenging match on Thursday against Gonzaga while Loyola Marymount prepares to take on Pepperdine on Tuesday.