WICHITA, Kan. — Wichita State picked up a much-needed home win Saturday afternoon, holding off Loyola Marymount, 71-64, at Charles Koch Arena behind balanced scoring and a season-best performance from Abby Cater.

The Shockers (2-9) led for nearly the entire game, using a 37-32 halftime advantage and going up by as many as 13 in the fourth. Wichita State held off a late rally by the Lions, hitting crucial free throws down the stretch to secure the victory. The Shockers finished with 38 bench points and shot 49 percent from the field, their best shooting percentage since their game one win over Lincoln on Nov. 3.

Abby Cater led the team with a season-high 23 points on 7-of-13 shooting and a perfect 8-for-8 effort at the line. Jaida McDonald added a Division I career-high 12 points and a team-high eight rebounds, while Jaila Harding chipped in 13 points, including four made three-pointers, her ninth game this season with two or more threes, to pace the Shocker offense.
 
Wichita State opened the game with an 18-13 first quarter and maintained its edge with consistent perimeter shooting in the second quarter to take a five-point lead into the break. The Shockers pushed the margin to as many as eight in the third quarter and answered each LMU surge with key baskets, carrying a 52-46 advantage into the final period.

In the fourth quarter, Wichita State built its largest lead of the game at 13 points following a pair of free throws midway through the frame. Loyola Marymount cut into the deficit late, going on a 12-2 run to make it a one-point game with a minute remaining, but the Shockers closed the game at the line and forced key turnovers to seal the win.

LMU (4-4) was led by Jess Lawson's 27 points and 12 rebounds, while Zawadi Ogot added 11 points, and Maya Hernandez score 10 for the Lions. Wichita State held the Lions to 35.6 percent shooting and forced 19 turnovers on the afternoon

The Shockers return to action next week as they continue non-conference play on Tuesday morning at 11 a.m. against Oral Roberts in Charles Koch Arena.