Loyola Hits New Low Point in Losing at Gonzaga, 88-72

Loyola Marymount, which has struggled since the opening of West Coast Conference play last month, might have reached a low point at Spokane, Wash., Thursday night.

Kyle Dixon scored 21 points as Gonzaga defeated the Lions, 88-72, to end a six-game losing streak.

“I’m very disappointed with our performance,” Loyola Coach John Olive said. “This was our poorest outing of the year, effort-wise.”

Loyola, 10-9 overall and 2-5 in the WCC, took an early 12-4 lead on a three-point basket by Jim Williamson.

But Gonzaga (12-7, 1-6) took the lead for good on a dunk by Scott Snider that made the score 21-19 with 7:56 to play before halftime. Gonzaga led at halftime, 40-31, and stretched its advantage to 50-33.

“They were the more physical team,” Olive said of the Bulldogs. “They were able to get the key rebounds and control the paint.”

Loyola center Ime Oduok, the WCC’s leading rebounder, had season lows of one point and three rebounds before fouling out after playing only 17 minutes.

Mike O’Quinn and Robin Kirksey each scored 16 points for the Lions.