SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) -- Travis Niesen scored 17 of his 23 points in the second half as Santa Clara beat Loyola Marymount 78-70 on Saturday.
Doron Perkins added 21 points and 10 rebounds as the Broncos (14-13, 7-5 West Coast Conference) won for just the second time in 12 games when trailing at halftime. Perkins recorded his third double-double of the year. Scott Borchart had 11 points.
Wes Wardrop scored a career-high 22 points for the Lions (11-15, 3-10), who lost their fourth straight. After starting the season 8-3, LMU has lost 12 of 15. Dennis Knight added 12 points.
Santa Clara was able to overcome 17 turnovers, of which the Lions converted into 24 points, by outrebounding LMU 44-29.
The Lions also held a 10-0 advantage on fast break points.
Perkins scored the first five points of the second half and Santa Clara regained the lead at 38-35.
Loyola Marymount responded and the game remained close until Niesen, who created some open shots in the paint, helped the Broncos take a 66-56 lead into the final four minutes.
Kyle Bailey, who missed his first eight shots, hit a 30-foot jumper as the shot clock was expiring to give Santa Clara a 72-61 edge with 1:32 remaining. He also hit a 3-pointer in the final minute.
After falling behind 14-3 in the first eight minutes, the Lions rallied to tie the game at 30. Daryl Pegram hit a 3-pointer and made another basket as LMU took a 35-31 lead at halftime.
