The San Francisco Dons suffered a brutal loss Saturday evening as they blew a 19-point lead en route to a 90-88 loss to the Loyola Marymount Lions. The Dons held a 41-22 lead late in the first half and a 16-point lead with 6:35 to go but LMU closed on a 25-10 run to stun USF. The Dons had several opportunities in the final 29 seconds but misses and turnovers cost them their chance at a huge win.
USF entered the contest two games back of LMU for fourth place in the WCC. The third and fourth place team get an extra bye, which can prove key in a conference team tournament already featuring run with the likes of Saint Mary's and Gonzaga. The Dons now drop three games back of the Lions and BYU.
Heading into the season it was a tough top three with BYU expected to run roughshod over much of the league. However, LMU sprung a key road upset in Provo and now are tied with BYU for third place having split the season series. The Lions still have to travel to Gonzaga and Saint Mary's, so every win is huge heading into that tough back-to-back road series.
USF heads home to host Santa Clara next Thursday, followed by a trip to San Diego next weekend. LMU travels to Portland on Thursday, followed by a trip to Gonzaga next weekend.