Loyola Loses Big Lead and Game

Loyola Marymount, after struggling in nonconference play, was hoping to make a fresh start Friday night in its West Coast Conference opener.

Instead, the Lions suffered their worst collapse of the season, blowing a 16-point lead in the second half as St. Mary’s rallied for an 82-77 victory at Gersten Pavilion.

“That’s as tough a loss as I’ve had here,” second-year Coach John Olive said. “The last five minutes were a nightmare.”

Loyola (1-11) appeared in good shape after taking its biggest lead, 69-53, on a layup by forward Wyking Jones with 7:18 to play. But in less than two minutes, St. Mary’s (8-4, 1-0) had cut its deficit to six, 69-63, and put the Lions on the defensive.

A three-pointer by St. Mary’s guard Darrell Daniel tied the score, 74-74, with 2:12 left, and the Gaels took the lead for good at 76-74 when forward A.J. Rollins scored on a follow shot with 1:04 to play.

Loyola, losing its 11th consecutive WCC game, made only two field goals in the last seven minutes and committed several of its 25 turnovers down the stretch. With the Lions trailing, 77-74, reserve guard Cobi McElroy inadvertently stepped on the sideline to turn the ball over with 26 seconds left.

That led to a three-point play by guard Martell Bland and an 80-74 Gael lead with 22 seconds left.

Jones had game-high totals of 24 points and 10 rebounds for Loyola, which resumes WCC play tonight at home against Santa Clara.