Lions to face tough test in season opener

The wait is over for Lions fans to put last year's disappointing season behind them, as LMU will officially begin their 2011-12 season Friday at the L.A. Sports Arena when it takes on the UCLA Bruins. It definitely won't be an easy opener for the Lions, as UCLA has been selected by many to be one of the top 25 teams in the nation in preseason rankings.

The biggest challenge for LMU is going to be protecting the paint. The Bruins boast a huge lineup, with four roster players checking in at 6'10" or taller. The Lions, on the other hand, will be without one of their best rebounders, with Drew Viney likely sidelined for a couple more weeks. Godwin Okonji, Edgar Garibay, Tim Diederichs and Ashley Hamilton will have to show up big on the boards if the Lions want to have a chance to steal a "W" from their crosstown rivals.

The biggest thing the Lions have going for them, however, is the fact that they have a much more talented backcourt than the Bruins. Jarred DuBois and Anthony Ireland need to take over this game, and even out the fact that the Lions may get pounded inside by the Bruins big men's depth. To make matters easier for DuBois, Ireland and even freshman Bruce English is the fact that UCLA's Jerime Anderson is suspended for the game, meaning the Bruins will have even less manpower to try and stop the Lions speedy back court.

This past weekend, LMU scrimmaged a tough UNLV team (losing by single-digits), which I think was probably great preparation for Friday's game. Either way, it should be a good one. Game tips off Friday at 7:30 p.m.