LOS ANGELES - Despite nearly overcoming a 16-point second-half deficit, Prairie View A&M men's basketball dropped a 79-76 affair to Loyola Marymount Friday evening at Albert Gersten Pavilion.

The Panthers are now 3-7 on the season.

Senior Darius Williams scored 25 points with four rebounds and four steals to lead the Panthers. In all, four Panthers scored in double-figures, with senior Devonte Patterson netting 16 points, senior Gerard Andrus scoring 12 points and junior Lenell Henry filling the stat sheet to the tune of 10 points, six rebounds, three steals and two blocked shots.

The Panthers were forced to play from behind early as the Lions opened the game on a 9-2 run. With Prairie View A&M unable to cool off Loyola Marymount (5-5) from beyond the arc, the Panthers trailed by as many as 16 points, ultimately facing a 36-24 deficit at the break.

Down 47-31 with 16:27 left, Andrus and Williams sparked a 13-2 run to bring the Panthers within five near the midpoint of the second half. Though the Lions threatened to pull away, the Panthers resiliently fought back as senior Chancellor Ellis buried a three to cap an 8-1 run that pulled the Panthers within four.

Though Patterson later knocked down a jumper with 21 ticks left that put Prairie View A&M within one possession of a tie game, the Lions converted on the other end for a 77-72 lead. Williams nailed a deep two-pointer on the Panthers' next turn to pull back within three, but Prairie View A&M was ultimately unable to overtake Loyola Marymount in the final moments.

The Panthers shot 47 percent from the field (26-of-55), including a 38-percent mark from three-point land. Loyola Marymount shot 46 percent from the floor (25-of-54). The Lions out-rebounded Prairie View A&M 31-30.

Eli Scott and Ivan Alipiev led Loyola Marymount with 17 points each.

Next Up:
Prairie View A&M returns to action Dec. 19 for a tilt at No. 24 Colorado. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. CST (6:30 p.m. local time).

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