Loyola Will Open Today in New York

Is the Big East ready for Loyola Marymount, and vice versa? The Lions may find out Sunday, when they are expected to meet the host team in the Lapchick Memorial Tournament at St. John’s.

Before the Lions get a chance at St. John’s--which has never lost in its tournament--they must get past Tennessee Tech at 11 a.m. (PST) today in their season opener. Tech is coming off a 7-20 season in which the team was 0-13 on the road. The Eagles, however, have four returning starters, including standout sophomore Earl Wise, the Ohio Valley Conference rookie of the year.

St. John’s opens against Harvard. The Redmen have a new look with junior college whiz Greg (Boo) Harvey taking over at point guard. Senior forward Shelton Jones is expected to carry the scoring load.

Neither Loyola nor St. John’s will be at full strength. Loyola is missing starting guard Bo Kimble and backup center John Veargason, out with leg injuries. St. John’s center Terry Bross also is injured.

The Lions should have another high-scoring team, with forwards Mike Yoest and Mark Armstrong returning for their fourth varsity seasons.