USIU Runs Up Against Loyola Tonight

Defense likely will be a forgotten concept when U.S. International University plays Loyola Marymount in a nonconference men’s basketball game at 7:30 tonight at Golden Hall.

Both teams scored more than 100 points in their past two meetings, and indications are it will happen a third time.

Loyola Marymount (5-5) is averaging 111.5 points per game, allowing 111 and has scored 100 or more points six times. USIU (6-10) is averaging 78.8.

The Lions opened the season with a 164-138 victory over Azusa Pacific, and their losses include a 136-103 defeat at Oklahoma. The Gulls’ season high was in a 112-76 victory over Maryland Eastern Shore. They scored 93 in a 135-93 loss to Syracuse.

The Lions have won the past two meetings, both at Los Angeles: 116-104 in 1987 and 151-107 in 1986. The latter set the USIU record for most points allowed.

A key for both teams this season is that that Loyola Marymount is shooting 48.6% from the field, the Gulls just 38%.

Forward Hank Gathers has been the Lions’ dominating player this season. Gathers is averaging 34.4 points and 14.3 rebounds and shooting 63.7% from the field. He has a season high of 49 points in a 130-125 victory over Nevada-Reno. Jeff Fryer is averaging 22.1 points and Enoch Simmons 19.5 for LMU.

The Lions are coming off a 118-113 loss to Xavier at home Wednesday. USIU was defeated by St. Mary’s, 80-63, Wednesday.

Paul Wilson leads the Gulls with 16.2 points per game, and forward Gary Williams is averaging 15.8. Demetrius Laffitte leads the team in rebounding with a 10.3 average and adds 14.9 points.