LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — In a West Coast Conference clash defined by dramatic swings and a relentless individual performance, the San Francisco Dons outlasted the Loyola Marymount Lions 85-82 in overtime Sunday at Gersten Pavilion.

The game’s pivotal sequence, and its defining narrative, unfolded in the final 30 seconds of regulation, transforming what seemed like a certain Lions victory into an extra session. Loyola Marymount guard Jess Lawson, who delivered a spectacular 32-point effort, had just given her team a 74-71 lead with a layup off an Ivana Krajina assist with 33 seconds remaining.

San Francisco, needing a three-pointer to tie, inbounded the ball. The possession found its way to guard Aina Cargol, who launched a deep three-pointer from the top of the key with 14 seconds on the clock. The shot found nothing but net, knotting the score at 74 and silencing the home crowd of 227.

Loyola Marymount had a final chance to win in regulation. Following a timeout, they worked the ball to Lawson, who was fouled by San Francisco’s Aina Cargol on a drive with 0.21 seconds left. Lawson, who had been a force all afternoon, went to the line for two free throws. She missed the first but calmly sank the second, putting the Lions ahead 75-74.

San Francisco called a full timeout to advance the ball. On the ensuing inbounds play with just 0.13 seconds remaining, Loyola Marymount’s Paula Reus Piza was called for a foul on San Francisco’s Candy Edokpaigbe, sending the Dons forward to the line for two shots. Candy Edokpaigbe made the first free throw to tie the game at 75 but missed the second, sending the contest to overtime.

The Dons carried that momentum into the extra period, never trailing. Cargol, who finished with 17 points and eight assists, hit four crucial free throws in the first three minutes of overtime to establish a lead San Francisco would not relinquish. A critical three-pointer from Paula Tirado, who had 11 points, extended the Dons’ advantage to 82-79 with 47 seconds left.

Loyola Marymount had opportunities to answer. Maya Hernandez, who scored 19 points, made one of two free throws to cut the lead to 82-80. After a San Francisco turnover, Andjela Matic was fouled and made both free throws with 12 seconds left, tying the game at 82. On the ensuing possession, San Francisco’s Mara Neira was fouled and sent to the line with 6 seconds remaining. Neira, who scored 19 points, made the first free throw but missed the second. In the scramble for the rebound, Loyola Marymount was called for a loose ball foul, sending Cargol back to the line with 2 seconds left. She made both free throws to seal the 85-82 victory.

The game was a tale of contrasting efficiencies. San Francisco’s offense was markedly more effective, shooting 52.5% from the field (31 of 59) and dominating inside with 46 points in the paint. Loyola Marymount struggled with its shot, making only 38.9% of its attempts (28 of 72) despite attempting 13 more shots. The Lions kept pace through volume, attempting 28 free throws to San Francisco’s 21, and by forcing 13 turnovers while committing only nine.

Lawson’s performance for the Lions was monumental, accounting for nearly 40% of her team’s points. For San Francisco, the scoring was more balanced, with four players in double figures: Neira (19), Candy Edokpaigbe (17), Cargol (17), and Tirado (11). Candy Edokpaigbe also contributed two blocks, including a key rejection on Lawson in the final minute of regulation.

With the win, San Francisco improved to 10-5 overall. Loyola Marymount fell to 8-7. The Dons next host Santa Clara on Thursday. The Lions travel to face Pepperdine the same day.