The WCAC : Now, Loyola Seeks Redemption

Loyola Marymount University will be seeking redemption--and about 40 more points--tonight in a West Coast Athletic Conference basketball game at St. Mary’s in Moraga.

The Lions, 10-9 overall and tied for last place at 2-4 in the WCAC, are coming off their worst loss in two years, 82-48, at San Diego Thursday.

The Lions were without leading rebounder Mark Armstrong and backup center Darryl Carter, who were suspended for the game for breaking curfew, but it’s doubtful they would have turned the San Diego game around. The Lions, averaging nearly 90 points going into the game, shot only 31%. Guards Dennis Vogel and Chris Nikchevich were a combined 3 for 22. “When we’re not hitting from outside for the whole game it’s a disaster,� Coach Paul Westhead said.

Armstrong and Carter will be in uniform tonight. Loyola will be trying to pull into a tie with St. Mary’s, 12-9 and 3-4.

Mike Yoest paces Loyola with a 21.5-point average. Sophomore guard Enoch Simmons, a recent addition to the starting lineup, has been the team’s hottest shooter and has his average up to 9.4 points after getting 17 against San Diego. He has scored 39 points in two starts.

Like San Diego, the Gaels are a defense-minded club that is allowing less than 60 points a game. Forward Robert Haugen and guard Paul Robertson, both averaging about 13 points, are St. Mary’s top players.