USD, Coming Off Big Win, Faces Loyola Marymount

The University of San Diego men’s basketball team, coming off its biggest victory of the season Thursday night over Pepperdine, will play another important game at 7:30 tonight when it faces first-place Loyola Marymount at the USD Sports Center.

The Toreros (4-1 in West Coast Athletic Conference play and 14-5 overall) after their 69-64 victory over the Waves, can move into a tie for first with a victory over the Lions (5-0, 13-6).

USD has won 9 of 10 games, including 4 straight, and is unbeaten in nine home games this season. Loyola has won seven straight and leads the Toreros and Pepperdine by a game.

The Lions are led by the conference’s two leading scorers, guards Keith Smith (24 points per game) and Forrest McKenzie (19.3). First-year coach Paul Westhead has put together a fast-paced offense that is averaging 83.5 points per game this season.

USD guard Pete Murphy, who suffered a sprained left ankle against Pepperdine, is expected to be in uniform tonight. Murphy said Friday afternoon that he’s not sure whether he’ll be able to play. The 6-foot 4-inch senior guard scored 18 points against the Waves and has played an important role in USD’s recent hot streak.

Scott Thompson (13.2), Murphy (12.9) and forward Mark Bostic (10.1) lead USD in scoring. At the Sports Center, the Toreros have outscored their opponents by an average of 17 points per game.