Dec. 30, 2001
Final Stats
Missoula, MT (December 30) -- Loyola Marymount University (LMU) saw their two-game winning streak come to an end as they fell to the University of Montana 82-67 on Saturday afternoon at the Adams Center.
After taking a 13-9 lead on senior Robert Davis' three-pointer with 14:35 remaining in the first half, the Lions (6-6) would go as cold as the 20-degree Montana air. LMU would finish the game shooting 39.7 percent from the field, but were 32 percent in the first half. Montana would finish hitting 50 percent from the field as they would go on a 12-point run to take the lead for good at 19-13.
The Grizzlies (6-7), led by the double-double of senior Dan Trammel, would extend the lead to 40-27 at the half and would never look back. Trammel earned a double-double by halftime and finished with 18 points and a career-high 16 rebounds. Trammel seemed to outrebound the Lions, who struggled throughout the game, with every shot, grabbing 10 in the first half alone.
"I have no explanation for our performance tonight. There were imposters in our uniforms," said Head Coach Steve Aggers. "We have played and competed against one of the better schedules in the country. Tonight we came in here and did not play. Montana had a lot to do with that."
The Lions would come out in the second half and cut the lead to eight-points, 42-34, with 18:28 remaining on a pair of free throws by Keith Kincade. However, the Lions would not respond as the Grizzlies would build their lead to as much as 25 down the stretch.
"We relied on the perimeter shot way too much," said Aggers, whose team finished 6-for-19 from the three-point line. "I am embarrassed with the lack of effort tonight. We got behind and we did not respond. I take full blame for the lack of disciple our team should. It won't happen again."
Freshman Andy Osborn and Kincade each finished with 12 points, as the Lions for the second straight game failed to have three or more players in double-digit scoring after starting the season with three or more in the first 10 games. Osborn added seven rebounds as the Lions were out-boarded 34-33.
The Lions had won two straight on the road (Texas A&M and Long Beach State) coming into the game against the Grizzlies, only second time in three years the Lions had put back-to-back road wins together.
LMU will head home to take on Occidental on Wednesday, Jan. 2 at 7 p.m. before heading back on the road to take on Portland State in the final non-conference game on Saturday, Jan. 5.
- GO LIONS -
