ANDERSON, S.C. – The LMU women's basketball team held host Anderson to only 24 points in the second half and seven points in the fourth quarter, but a large first quarter deficit proved to be too much to overcome in a 68-55 loss Wednesday evening.

With the loss, LMU falls to 6-4 overall and 3-2 in South Atlantic Conference play. After a few days off for Christmas, they will play on New Year's Eve at Clayton State.

Anderson came out as hot as LMU was cold in the first quarter, hitting 68.8 percent of their shots and a ridiculous five of six from three-point range. LMU, on the other hand, was held scoreless from three-point range until the third quarter and hit seven of 20 shots in the opening frame.

The second period was more of the same as Anderson took advantage of LMU's poor shooting to extend the lead to 44-24 at the half.

LMU was unable to make up any ground in the third quarter, despite holding AU to 17 points. They attempted a comeback late in the fourth period as they stepped things up defensively, holding the Trojans to only seven points in the stanza. A pair of Emily Griffith free throws would cut the lead to 67-55 with less than a minute to go, but AU held on for the 68-55 win.

Emily Griffith led LMU with 16 points while her sister Rachel chipped in 10 points. Shermeria Quarles led all players with nine rebounds. LMU won the battle of the boards, out-rebounding AU 45-43.

Ace Easter led AU with fifteen points, while Alexy Mollenhauer chipped in 11 points and a team-high eight rebounds. Madison Baggett added in 10 points for the Trojans.