Jill Barta scores 22 points and Gonzaga women handle Loyola Marymount

Jill Barta scored 22 points to lead Gonzaga to its third win in a row, beating Loyola Marymount 80-56 in Los Angeles on Thursday.

Barta was 9 of 12 from the field and 4 of 5 from long distance as the Zags (12-4, 3-2) had little trouble with their West Coast Conference foes, racing out to a 25-12 lead after the first quarter.

Gonzaga shot nearly 57 percent, including 10 of 18 from beyond the arc, while holding the Lions to under 36 percent.

GU hasn’t lost to LMU since 2009, covering 19 consecutive games. Gonzaga leads the all-time series 43-21. Dating back to 2005, Gonzaga has won 26 of the last 28 meetings.

Elle Tinkle scored 10 points with three steals and Kiara Kudron had 11 rebounds and six assists to go with six points.

The Gaels (7-9, 2-3) entered play outrebounding opponents by 9 1/2 per game, but Gonzaga dominated the boards, 38-29.

Loyola Marymount was paced by Jackie Johnson with 26 points, seven rebounds and six blocked shots.

Gonzaga plays next at Saint Mary’s on Saturday at 1 p.m.