Horizon League leader Valparaiso went to L.A. and lost to LMU 53-61. The win brings the Lions to 18-10 on the year and puts them in good position to become the fourth WCC team to reach 20 wins this year. As recently as 2006 Gonzaga was the WCC's only 20 win team.
Anthony Ireland led the Lions and the game with 19 points and 8 rebounds and was tied for the game high with 5 assists. Loyola Marymount had the lead from the beginning and gave up not even a share of it. The Crusaders managed to fight to within one point on a few occasions but could do no better. Starting forward Kevin Van Wijk didn't make the trip to L.A. with the Crusaders. He bruised his knee in their game against the University of Illinois-Chicago on Tuesday. The Crusaders' coaching staff wisely played it safe with Van Wijk in resting him so they can be full strength for their final push through the Horizon League. That push somewhat strangely begins when they play another Loyola, this time Loyola Chicago, on the 21st. A conference tournament championship is their only hope for a NCAA bid.
Loyola Marymount has some time off before hosting the 11-15 Toreros of San Diego on Thursday. They finish the regular season at Santa Clara which is in the midst of a 14 game losing streak. The Lions took advantage of their opportunity to play on ESPN U when it is because of them, not because they're playing Gonzaga or Saint Mary's. This win will help improve their seeding in what looks to be a NIT berth this post season.
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