Lions top Titans in CIT opener

The Lions defeated the Cal State Fullerton Titans tonight, riding a strong offensive game to a 88-79 victory. Want to know the best things about winning the game?

1. Seniors like LaRon Armstead don't have to hang up their LMU jerseys quite yet. LaRon is a class act, and the longer this season continues the longer his career continues, and he deserves it. It was great to see him have a strong game, as he finished with 16 points and five rebounds. Drew Viney also showed up big, scoring 19 points and pulling down eight boards. Drew can be inconsistent, but boy are we going to miss him next season.

2. With the win, LMU was able to secure its first playoff victory since 1990, and complete a 20-win season. While all fans know there was some disappointment towards the end of the year, those are both solid accomplishments.

3. Fans got to be reminded that Anthony Ireland is a stud. Coming off of a groin injury, Ireland had a team-high 26 points to go along with five rebounds and four assists. There's not much to say except, thank god he's only a sophomore.

With the win, the Lions (20-12) will now host Weber State* (25-6) in second-round action Sunday at 3 p.m. Weber State is coming off of an 72-69 victory over Utah Valley Tuesday night.

*Originally noted that LMU would host Idaho, who beat UCSB tonight. That was announced in Gersten Pavilion after the game, but turns out that was incorrect.