Loyola Marymount University’s men’s basketball team faces its biggest test of the season Jan. 11 when they host No. 1-ranked Gonzaga at Gersten Pavilion.
Last week, the Lions (7-9 overall) opened their West Coast Conference season by beating San Diego and losing to BYU. A recap:
Jan. 2: 64-58 vs. San Diego: For the second time in three games, LMU rallied from a first half deficit (31-30), using balanced scoring and superb free-throw shooting (13 of 15 after halftime) to topple the Toreros. The Lions trailed by eight with 14 minutes to play, but held San Diego to just 11 points over the final 13 minutes. Jordan Bell scored 13 ;points, Parker Dortch 12 and Ivan Alipiev 10, while Eli Scott had six rebounds and five assists.
Jan. 4: 38-63 at BYU: Trailing by only five at halftime, LMU was outshot 54 to 35 percent in the second half as the Cougars ran away from the Lions at Provo. Only Eli Scott (15 points) showed much marksmanship for LMU which also shot a miserable 4 for 13 from the free-throw line. Jonathan Dos Anjos had eight rebounds to lead LMU.
Upcoming: Gonzaga (16-1) comes into Gersten Pavilion having beaten the Lions 21 straight times and 38 of 40 since 2000. LMU’s only wins over the Zags have come at home in 2007 and 2010, the latter a 74-66 upset of No. 9 Gonzaga, marking LMU’s first win over a ranked opponent since March 23, 1990 in the NCAA West Regional over No. 23 Alabama.
