Loyola Gets Another Shot at San Diego

Loyola Marymount will tip-off against San Diego in the last game of the night session during the first round of the West Coast Conference tournament on Saturday, which will give the Lions little rest for Sunday night’s semifinals if they defeat the Toreros.

Lion Coach John Olive obviously isn’t thrilled with drawing the 8:30 p.m. start, but he said he isn’t concerned about Sunday’s games yet, because his team has to get past the Toreros for that to become a factor.

San Diego defeated Loyola Marymount at Gersten Pavilion, 65-59, on Friday night and Olive calls the Toreros “the most improved team in the conference.”

The defeat, he is hoping, will inspire his team this time around. The Lions seemed to be looking past a team they defeated rather easily Jan. 13 at San Diego, 63-56.

Senior center Ime Oduok, the Lions’ leading scorer and rebounder, acknowledged his team has trouble getting up for some opponents, but said that won’t be a problem Saturday.

“It’s a great opportunity to settle the score, to avenge that loss,” he said. “I’m not worried. We’re going to be prepared and play our hardest.”

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WCC TOURNAMENT

The First Round

Saturday, March 2 At Santa Clara

* No. 2 Gonzaga (19-7, 10-4) vs. No. 7 St. Mary’s (12-14, 5-9), Noon

* No. 4 San Francisco (15-11, 8-6) vs. No. 5 Portland (16-10, 7-7), 2:30 p.m.

* No. 1 Santa Clara (19-7, 10-4) vs. No. 8 Pepperdine (9-17, 2-12), 6 p.m.

* No. 3 Loyola Marymount (18-9, 8-6) vs. No. 6 San Diego (12-13, 6-8), 8:30 p.m.