Cold-Shooting Loyola Loses to San Diego

Three-point baskets were once a staple of the Loyola Marymount offense, but Friday night the Lions again showed just how far they have fallen in their long-range accuracy.

With Loyola making two of 15 three-point shots, San Diego was able to turn back several rallies before pulling away in the final minute for an 89-82 West Coast Conference victory at Gersten Pavilion.

“Three-pointers have always been a weapon in our offense,” Loyola Coach John Olive said. “The times we haven’t hit our threes have really hurt us.”

Loyola, 5-17 overall and 4-7 in the WCC, missed all seven of its three-point attempts and shot 36% in the first half, when San Diego took a 46-35 lead.

The Lions rallied behind forward Wyking Jones, who scored a game-high 26 points. They pulled within one three times in the second half. But each time, San Diego guard Joe Temple answered with either free throw or a basket.

The Toreros put the game away with an 8-0 run, including six free throws, after Loyola had pulled to within 81-79.