Lions no match for reigning WCC Champs

Larry Davis had 18 points in the Lions' loss to the Gaels | Courtesy of Facebook

The Lions were picked to finish higher than the Gaels in the 2010 WCC Preseason Coaches Poll but didn't play like it tonight, falling 98-75 to open West Coast Conference play. Six Gaels scored in double figures in the game, including two who had over 20 points (Rob Jones and Mickey McConnell). LMU was led by Vernon Teel with 19 points and Larry Davis with 18.

LMU was unable to stop Saint Mary's offense, which is fourth in the nation in field goal percentage and ninth in points per game. The Gaels made an astonishing 13 of their 16 field goal attempts, and had 56 points at the half.They shot 61 percent as a team in the game.

Both teams made it rain from beyond the arc, with the Gaels pouring in 11 three-pointers in the contest. The Lions made a season high seven threes, three by freshman Ayodeji Egbeyemi.

Leading scorer Drew Viney had four points, his lowest scoring total of the season, on 2-7 from the field. Viney, who is averaging over seven rebounds a game, pulled down just two boards. As a team the Lions outrebounded the Gaels 34-31, led by Larry Davis' seven.

LMU drops to 7-8 on the season while Saint Mary's improves to 13-2. The Gaels only two losses this season both came at the hands of top-25 teams.

The Lions will take on USD at home on Saturday. The Toreros lost to Pepperdine tonight in the only other WCC action of the evening. Saturday's game tips off at 7 p.m.