Loyola Marymount Off to Strong Start

Loyola Marymount is off to its best start in seven seasons after defeating short-handed Cal State Sacramento, 88-55, Monday night at Gersten Pavilion.

The Lions are 2-0 for the first time since the 1995-96 season, which was the last time they finished with a winning record. The victory was Loyola’s most lopsided since a 41-point win over Cal State Hayward in 1994. It’s all good news for third-year Coach Steve Aggers, who’s still sorting out a roster that includes nine new players, including seven freshmen.

“We found out some things about roles on our team,” Aggers said. “With the youth that we have, it might take a few more games.”

Junior forward Keith Kincade scored nine of his 14 points in the first half to lead four Loyola players in double figures. Freshman point guard Wes Wardrop added 13 points, and sophomore forward Andy Osborn and junior forward Sherman Gay each scored 10.

For the second consecutive game, Loyola thrived with defense and depth. The Lions limited Sacramento to 15-for-49 shooting (30.6%) and forced 22 turnovers, and they went deep into their bench, using 13 players.

Sacramento (0-1) was without three upperclassmen who are not expected to join the team until January because of eligibility issues.

-- Rob Fernas

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No. 10 Oregon 86, Cal State Northridge 77 -- Luke Jackson scored 23 points and Luke Ridnour added 19 at Eugene, Ore., to lead the Ducks past the Matadors in the championship game of the John Thompson Foundation Challenge. Northridge (1-2) tied the score, 73-73, on Chris Davis’ layup with 3:17 left, but Oregon (2-0) answered with a 5-0 run to go ahead, 78-73. Ian Boylan’s 13 points led Northridge.