Thoughts, expectations and more ...

Can the Lions keep their focus with a lineup change and against unranked opponents?

The Lions' game against Saint Louis Tuesday was one of the most well-played, complete LMU games I've seen in a long time. The defense was stellar, the chemistry was better than it's been in years, and multiple players stepped up to fill the roles required of them. The win was great, but the matter of which the Lions earned that win was even more important in my mind.

A few things that stood out:

• I thought the coaching staff did an excellent job. Most people won't remember that the beginning of the game was sloppy (missed defensive assignments, missed lay-ups), and that is very much because of the fact that the coaching staff seemed to have righted the ship early on in the game. I also want to give Coach Good and co. credit for their substitution pattern. LaRon Armstead was hot from the field, and Good gave the team the opportunity to ride that. Good also managed foul trouble extremely well.
• Anthony Ireland was tough as nails down the stretch. He hadn't shot well at home thus far this season, but he didn't let it stop him from shooting through his cold-spell. A big three-pointer from the top of the key got him going again, and as he did in the Idaho State win he took the team on his back for a portion of the second half.
• Jarred DuBois has let Ireland shine this year, but he stepped up bigtime went Ireland went to the bench with foul trouble. Props to JD for leading the run that, in the end, really won LMU the game.
• LaRon Armstead plays inconsistent minutes but still manages to produce when he's on the court. He's always had a nice shot, but with Drew, Ashley and even AI out of the game late in the second-half, he had to create his own shot, something that hadn't been asked of him to do in a Lions uniform in years. The way he played Tuesday, Good is forced to find playing time for the senior this weekend. Congrats to him for such a strong game.

The Lions now have a great opportunity to improve to 7-2 on the season with three home games this weekend against weaker teams. Drew Viney is expected back in the lineup, which will definitely be a weight off the shoulder of Anthony Ireland, who will now have someone else helping to steady the offense. 

I'm as excited as anyone to see Drew back on the court, but it does bring up a few concerns; the rotation and chemistry. Things seem to be gelling so well right now, that bringing in a guy that should play well over 30 minutes a game is going to change things. Good and his staff are going to have to figure out a way to work the bench guys into the lineup with Drew, and eventually Ashley, holding down the forward spots. Lions fans shouldn't be surprised if a new rotation takes some getting used to. But with a player as talented as Drew Viney, I know the players and Good will figure out whatever it takes.

The Lions next take the court Friday at 7 p.m. against Columbia. LMU has been known to play to the level of its opponents in the past, but let's hope they come out with the same intensity and focus they had in the second half of Tuesday's game.