Lions blow lead, fall to Bradley 59-57

Vernon Teel | Courtesy of Facebook

For the second time in three games the Loyola Marymount men's basketball team blew a sizable second half lead. The Lions led the Bradley Braves by eight points with about seven minutes to play on the road tonight before eventually falling 59-57. LMU allowed the Braves to go on a 11-0 run late in the closing minutes.

With six seconds to play the Lions found themselves down by four, but senior guard Vernon Teel made a tough layup and was fouled, converting the three-point play at the line with 5.1 left on the clock. Down by one, the Braves managed to get the ball inbounds and into the hands of their best free throw shooter, who converted 1-2. With just three seconds left all LMU could do was throw up a prayer, and Drew Viney's bomb from half court hit the backboard but was just too high.

Nobody really stood out for the Lions, who were led offensively by Teel who contributed 15 points and 10 rebounds, but also turned the ball over seven times. Turnovers were the story for the Lions, who as a team turned the ball over an astonishing 24 times.

Viney ended the game with 12 points and 10 rebounds, turning the ball over five times himself.

The loss brings LMU's season record to 1-2. The Braves remain undefeated at 3-0.

The lone bright spot for the Lions was the return of center Edgar Garibay, who played for the first time since injuring himself last winter. He went 0-5 from the field in his return.

Next up for the Lions will be Dowling College. LMU takes on the D-II Dowling at 9AM PT on Saturday morning in Massachusetts.