LMU hosts 5-3 Gonzaga tomorrow night

Just 355 days ago LMU fans rushed the court after a win over No. 9 Gonzaga

Flashback to February 19, 2010 ‒ The Lions entered Gersten Pavilion that night with a 13-13 record, astonishingly better than the 3-25 record from the year prior. Finally healthy for the first time in two months, LMU upset No. 9 Gonzaga. The win was the first ever for the Lions on their home court, and propelled the season into a full-fledged turnaround. LMU put together a winning season for the first time in years, making it to the semifinals of the WCC Tournament and eventually being asked to participate in a postseason tournament.


Flash-forward 355 days, and the Lions are yet again set to host Gonzaga in Gersten Pavilion tomorrow night. This time, however, LMU is in the midst of a most disappointing season, as the team holds a conference record of just 1-8.


Gonzaga, however, is having a disappointing season of its own. Beginning the year with a preseason ranking of No. 12, the Bulldogs are currently unranked and have suffered their worst start to conference play this decade. The Zags hold the conference's fourth spot in the standings, with a 5-3 record, but are in risk of handing over the WCC Regular Season Crown for the first time this century. Many feel that if the NCAA Tournament were to start today, mid-major perennial powerhouse Gonzaga would not be invited.


The Lions and Bulldogs have met once already this year, with Gonzaga putting together a tremendous second half to beat LMU 79-59. The two teams were tied at the half.


The Lions were dominated in the paint, being outscored 46-16. The Zags' Robert Sacre did most of the damage, finishing the game with 18 points on 9-15 from the field. The Lions, however, were without center Godwin Okonji, who was out with a broken nose. Backup center Edgar Garibay was also limited to just 14 minutes due to foul trouble.


LMU will be trying to snap a two-game losing streak (and a seven-game conference losing streak) tomorrow. Gonzaga, on the other hand, is coming off of a non-conference loss to Memphis and a close victory over Portland.


Drew Viney, who sat out of the Lions' last game against Saint Mary's due to the effects from recent Migraines, is questionable for tomorrow's contest.


Tomorrow's game tips off at 8 p.m. and can be seen on ESPN2.