LMU Basketball: Men start WCC play at home against San Diego

Loyola Marymount University’s men’s basketball team (6-8) opens its West Coast Conference season Jan. 2 at Gersten Pavilion after splitting a pair of home contests during the Christmas break.

A recap: 

Dec. 22: 53-46 vs. Cal State Fullerton: After a sluggish first half that ended with a six-point deficit (23-17), the Lions rallied to win, taking the lead for good with eight minutes to play. Eli Scott continued his strong early season play with 25 points, while Ivan Alipiev had 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Dec. 28: 71-74 vs. Morgan State: Erik Johansson’s 17 points and Alipiev’s 15 weren’t quite enough, as Scott was held to 10. Jonathan Dos Anjos, a freshman from Brazil, scored 11 for LMU, and Jordan Bell had 10 rebounds and six assists. The Lions got to within one with 68 seconds to play, but the Bears held on.

Upcoming: LMU’s WCC season begins Jan. 2 at home against the University of San Diego (7-8), followed by games Jan. 4 at BYU (11-4) and at home Jan. 11 against nationally-ranked Gonzaga (14-1).