Loyola Scores 100 Points in Win Over Bemidji State

Hitting triple figures for the first time since January, 1983, Loyola Marymount University beat Bemidji State of Minnesota, 100-74, Wednesday at Loyola before a crowd of 950.

The victory raised Loyola’s record to 4-1, its best start since it had a similar record in 1976-77. Loyola takes a three-game winning streak to Stockton Saturday against University of the Pacific.

Bemidji, a Division II school, fell to 1-2.

Senior forward Forrest McKenzie led Loyola with 25 points and 11 rebounds, scoring on a variety of jumpers and swooping, length of the court drives. Senior guard Keith Smith added 21 points and five assists. Sophomore forward Mark Armstrong had 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Bemidji hung in for a half, taking a 30-29 lead with 5:23 left and trailing only 48-40 at the half as sophomore guard David Lee scored 17 of his 27 points.

However, Loyola pulled steadily away in the second half and the only suspense in the last 10 minutes was whether the Lions would score 100.

They managed that when guard Dennis Vogel was fouled with one second left and hit two free throws.

Loyola outshot Bemidji, 52.6% to 43.5% and controlled the boards, 50-35.