LMU Needs Overtime to Advance to CIT Quarterfinals

Loyola Marymount 84, Weber State 78 at Albert Gersten Pavilion, Los Angeles

The leading scorer in college basketball, Damian Lillard at 24.5ppg, had 27 points for the Wildcats of Weber State. Lillard managed to score more than his average despite not making a field goal in the first half. His big second half brought Weber State back into the game and forced an overtime period. Lilliard was far and away the best player for the Wildcats, which is why they came up short in the game, no other starter scored more than 8 points.

The offense was much more balanced for the Lions. 5 players scored in double digits. Anthony Ireland recorded a guard's double-double with 22 points and 10 assists. He also led the team in rebounds with 7. Drew Viney kept his career as a Lion alive with 23 points in 42 minutes, in what could be fifth year senior's last home game. With the win the Lions advance to play at Utah State on Wednesday.

I don't understand the way the CIT does match-ups. LMU has had a worse record in both games they've played so far but have played at home, Utah State sits at 19-15 yet they will host the quarterfinal match-up.

The Lions were hot from deep, hitting 9-23 attempts which is good for a 39.1% mark. They shot just 42% overall from the floor though. Defensively they held the Wildcats to 38.5% from the floor and only 26.1% from 3.

The Wildcats poor shooting did not translate to poor free throw shooting however, which kept them in the game. Damian Lillard's 14-14 from the line helped lead Weber State to a 91.7% mark at the charity stripe.

From the 7 minute mark in the second to 2:47 the Lions were held scoreless and only hit one field goal after the from 7 minutes on. Drew Viney came thru for the Lions during that stretch by hitting 2 free throws and then a 3 at 1:23 to give them a 68-65 lead.

Overtime brought the Lions out of their slump. They scored 16 points to Weber State's 10 during those 5 extra minutes to secure a 84-68 win.

Loyola Marymount improves to 21-12
Weber State's season ends at 25-7