Smith, McKenzie Lead Loyola Past Portland, 66-55

Keith Smith and Forrest McKenzie led Loyola Marymount to a 66-55 victory over the University of Portland Thursday night in a West Coast Athletic Conference opener for both teams.

Smith, a senior guard, made 12 of 18 shots and had a game-high 28 points, while McKenzie, a senior forward, added 21 points.

Loyola, which lost to Portland, 77-56, in the Wolf Pack tournament earlier this season, dominated the game from the opening basket, shooting nearly 63%. Portland shot only 38%.

The Lions led, 29-24, at halftime and expanded the margin by as many as 12 points in the second half.

The victory improved Loyola’s record to 9-6 overall. Portland is 9-6.