Loyola Pulls Away From USIU to Win, 116-104

In Loyola Marymount’s last pre-conference tuneup game, the Lions may not have been clicking on all cylinders but they had enough power to get past U.S. International University, 116-104, Saturday night before 952 fans at Gersten Pavilion.

This was the team Loyola beat, 151-107, a year ago, and both teams had their track shoes on Saturday night. But this time around, the wildly paced game was a back-and-forth affair for about 30 minutes, and the Lions (7-5) could never quite bury the pesky Gulls, despite a 60-point second half.

One thing the Lions did show was they can win a game with Mike Yoest in foul trouble, and they’re an effective team with a three-guard lineup.

Yoest managed 18 points but played only 21 minutes and fouled out. In his absence, center Vic Lazzaretti took over inside, scoring 13 points in the first half as Loyola fought back from a 10-5 deficit to take a 56-55 lead. The senior finished with 21 points and a career-high 16 rebounds.

Forward Mark Armstrong made a strong second-half contribution with 10 points and 8 rebounds, including several key baskets when Loyola pulled away from a 66-66 tie to a 98-84 lead with seven minutes left. Armstrong had 14 points and 12 rebounds overall.

Loyola’s guards were also instrumental, especially freshman Jeff Fryer, who came off the bench to score 13 points in the first half, when he hit two three-pointers. He finished with 17 points.

Point guard Chris Nikchevich, who also had 13 in the first half, led the team with 22 points and 6 assists.

Loyola Coach Paul Westhead, who was happy to have USIU force the pace, said: “I approve of that kind of play. I anticipated it would be that pace. I didn’t think we were sharp. . . . We’re still simmering. We haven’t come to a boil yet. At least I hope not. I hope we’re not smoldering now.”

USIU, which fell to 3-7 and had a three-game win streak snapped, had four players with 18 or more points. Forward Kelly Andrews scored 34, with 22 coming in the second half. Russ Heicke scored 21, followed by Mark Moses with 19 and Joe Yezbak with 18.