Lions hold off Anteaters to finish non-conference play at .500

Drew Viney led the Lions with 22 points in tonight's win over Irvine | Photo taken by Julia Pine

Drew Viney again had a big game against UC Irvine (6-8), leading LMU (7-7) with 22 points and ten rebounds to an eventual 87-80 win. Five players scored in double figures for the Lions, who allowed a 19 point second-half lead dwindle down to four with just four minutes remaining. Clutch free throw shooting from Anthony Ireland pushed the lead back to eight with less than a minute to play and the Lions held on for the win, snapping a two-game losing streak.

The Lions have now finished non-conference play, and stand at an even 7-7 on the season.

Viney had his seventh double-double of the season and guard Vernon Teel had added 20 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Teel also went 10-13 from the free throw line. Point guard Anthony Ireland chipped in 15 points and six assists, going a perfect 6-6 from the stripe.

Larry Davis and Tim Diederichs scored 11 and 10 points, respectively.

The Lions played without center Edgar Garibay, and center Godwin Okonji had early foul trouble, leaving LMU somewhat shorthanded in the front court. Despite playing with less size, LMU outscored UC Irvine 38-18 in the paint, and out-rebounded them 37-28.

The Lions will now have a week off to prepare for WCC play. The conference schedule starts with a bang for LMU, as they host defending WCC Tournament champs St. Mary's on Thursday. The game tips off at 6 p.m and can be seen on ESPNU.