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Loyola Marymount (9-6 overall, 1-1 in West Coast Conference) at No. 16 Gonzaga (11-3, 1-1), 7, KXLU-FM (88.9) -- Loyola Marymount has a tough mission as it catches the league favorite Bulldogs coming off an upset loss at St. Mary’s. Gonzaga, playing its first home game since Dec. 11, has not lost consecutive games since the 2002-03 season and hasn’t suffered consecutive WCC defeats in almost five years. If the underdog Lions can somehow grab a lead late in the game, their impressive free-throw shooting can make a difference. Loyola ranks fifth in the nation at 77%. Sophomore forward Adam Morrison leads the Bulldogs in scoring at 19.1 points, and senior center Ronny Turiaf, a three-year starter, is averaging 16.9 points and 8.7 rebounds. Turiaf has been bothered, however, by two sore ankles.

Pepperdine (12-5 overall, 2-0 in WCC) at Portland (11-6, 0-2), 7 -- In what has been called a much-improved WCC, the Waves cannot afford to look past the Pilots and ahead to Saturday’s regionally televised matchup with Gonzaga. “We have to go take care of business,” forward Yakhouba Diawara said. Senior forward Glen McGowan has averaged 23.8 points and 12 rebounds over the last six games. Portland is led by senior Pooh Jeter.

Long Beach State (2-11 overall, 0-4 in Big West Conference) at Cal State Fullerton (7-4, 2-1), 7 -- Fullerton is off to its best start in eight years after winning the first two games of its four-game homestand. Senior guard Ralphy Holmes is resembling the player who earned All-Big West honors two years ago, averaging 16.7 points and 7.2 rebounds. The Titans lead the Big West in scoring, offensive rebounds and three-point field goals. Onye Ibekwe has been one of Long Beach’s few bright spots after becoming eligible following his transfer from Oklahoma State. Ibekwe has started the last four games, averaging 9.3 points and 8.5 rebounds.

UC Irvine (6-5 overall, 1-3 in Big West) at UC Riverside (4-8, 0-3), 7, KVMD (Ch. 23), KUCI-FM (88.9), KWRM (1370), KPRO (1570) -- Irvine Coach Pat Douglass was encouraged by his team’s effort in Saturday’s two-point loss to Big West-leading Pacific, calling it one of the Anteaters’ most complete outings. Riverside will be without senior center Vili Morton, who tore up his left knee Monday as he tried to grab a rebound in the final minute against UC Davis and will sit out the rest of the season. Morton was among the Big West leaders in scoring (16.5) and rebounding (9.1).

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (3-9 overall, 1-4 in Big West) at UC Santa Barbara (4-8, 2-3), 7, KTLK (1340) -- About the only piece of good news for Santa Barbara is that it plays its next four games at home. The injury-plagued Gauchos were down to seven players in road losses to Utah State and Idaho after forward Cameron Goettsche aggravated a groin injury. Goettsche, the team’s leading rebounder, is doubtful for tonight’s game and Saturday’s against UC Davis. Sophomore forward Glenn Turner is the only available frontcourt player taller than 6 feet 5. Cal Poly is 0-6 on the road. Junior guard Kameron Gray was declared academically ineligible, but freshman Dawin Whiten has helped ease the loss. He is averaging 12.2 points and has made 28 of 59 three-point tries.

Idaho (5-9 overall, 3-0 in Big West) at Cal State Northridge (6-7, 4-1), 7 -- In winning its last four, Northridge has turned up its aggressive pressing defense several notches. The Matadors give up 68.8 points a game but have given up just over 53 in Big West play. Northridge guard Davin White came off the bench to spark the Matadors to victories over UC Irvine and Long Beach State last week. White scored 21 points against Irvine and had a career-high 28 against Long Beach. Idaho has been the surprise of the league, with victories over Utah State, Cal Poly and UC Santa Barbara. Senior guard Dandrick Jones (16.4 points, 6.1 rebounds) is the Vandals’ top player.

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-- Eric Stephens