Loyola Finally Gets Moving

Occidental, a late addition to the Loyola Marymount men’s basketball schedule, was simply supposed to keep the Lions sharp as they prepare for West Coast Conference play.

Instead, the Division III Tigers put up a fight.

It lasted about 12 minutes.

Loyola Marymount eventually wore them down and recorded an 81-55 victory in front of an announced 1,478 Wednesday night at Gersten Pavilion. Forward Keith Kincade and reserve Sherman Gay each had 14 points for the Lions.

It wasn’t a complete reversal from Sunday’s lackluster loss at Montana, but it was an improvement. Loyola Marymount (7-6) got scoring from all 12 of its players and held Occidental (8-1) to 37% shooting.

“I was happy that we were able to play a good team,” Loyola Coach Steve Aggers said. “They were 8-0 and a very well-coached and disciplined team that runs their stuff. That does better for our team than to play a non-Division I team that isn’t like that.”

Song Cun made Occidental’s third three-pointer in the first six minutes for a 14-11 lead. Dan Murphy’s 15-foot jumper gave them a 19-16 lead, prompting Aggers to call timeout.

Usually calm and unflappable, Aggers was visibly animated in the huddle.

Aggers said the eight-day break before the Montana game hurt his team.

“We kind of lost our competitive edge,” he said. “I’ve been pushing them pretty hard trying to get back our intensity level and energy level back to where we need to have it as we head towards conference play.”

Loyola turned up its defensive pressure and held Occidental to only one field goal in an eight-minute span.