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Loyola Gains Momentum With 2nd Straight Victory : College basketball: Lions stop Portland, 91-79, and move within one game of third place in conference play.

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TIMES STAFF WRITER

Loyola Marymount continued to earn newfound respect in the West Coast Conference by beating Portland, 91-79, Saturday night at Gersten Pavilion.

It was the third victory in four games for the Lions (4-15, 3-5), who moved within a game of third place in the WCC after starting the weekend tied for last. It gave Loyola back-to-back conference victories for the first time since the 1991-92 season, having upset first-place Gonzaga on Friday.

“I don’t know if it sends a message to the rest of the conference,” Coach John Olive said, “but it shows us that we’re capable of playing with and beating anyone.”

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All five Loyola starters scored in double figures for the first time this season, led by sophomore center Ime Odouk with 19 points, 10 rebounds and a Gersten Pavilion-record five blocked shots. Guard Robin Kirksey added 18 points and forward Wyking Jones had 17 points and a game-high 13 rebounds.

The Lions led by as many as 15 points in the first half before Portland (11-12, 4-4) rallied and pulled within 69-64 on Ronnie Fines’ three-pointer with 9:25 to play. Loyola responded with a 12-2 run capped by Rahim Harris’ breakaway dunk to take an 81-66 lead with three minutes left.

Portland, losing its ninth consecutive game at Gersten Pavilion, got 21 points from forward Canaan Chatman, who missed all nine of his second-half shots after scoring 18 in the first half.

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