The Loyola Marymount University women's basketball team made history March 7, winning the program's first West Coast Conference Tournament Championship with a 61-58 win over Gonzaga in the title game held at Santa Clara University.

With the conference title, the Lions capped an incredible run, winning their 15th straight game, and earning the WCC's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The tournament field will be announced on March 14.

The Lions (24-5) were led by tournament MVP Adrianne Slaughter. The senior had 14 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Regular season MVP Kate Murray had a game-high 19 points while adding eight rebounds. Rachael Ziemann was the third Lion in double figures.

As was the case the entire WCC Tournament, the game went down to the wire. With the game tied at the half, 30-30, the Lions started the half on a 7-0 run and led the entire second frame, and led by five with 33 seconds remaining, 60-55.

However, Gonzaga, the last team to beat the Lions, cut the lead to a pair on a three-pointer by Ashley Burke. Murray would hit the second of two free throws to push the lead back to three, 61-58, with 17 seconds left.

Gonzaga then missed a five-footer with four seconds remaining, and could not get off a last shot as the buzzer sounded.

This Sunday, March 14, is "Selection Sunday," and LMU women's basketball will celebrate with fans, hosting a championship game and selection show viewing in Gersten Pavilion.

Fans will gather at noon to watch a replay of the WCC Tournament championship game, followed at 2 p.m. by the ESPN selection show, which will announce 64-team field and bracket pairings. Admission is free.

Tickets for the first round of the NCAA Tournament will be on sale at Sunday's event.