Jan. 15, 2009

Box Score

Moraga, CA - Mature play by the Loyola Marymount's three freshman, all of whom scored in double figures, couldn't overcome 25th-ranked Saint Mary's as the Gaels earned a 78-53 victory, their 13th straight on the season to tie a school record, at McKeon Pavilion in Moraga, Calif., on Thursday night in West Coast Conference action.

The Lions' freshman trio combined to score 42 of the Lions 53 points, led by Jarred DuBois with 17. LaRon Amstead added 13 points and Kevin Young scored all 12 of his points in the second half. Armstead and Young added six rebounds a piece while Young also had a game-high four blocks.

"Saint Mary's showed why they are one of the top programs in the country," said Head Coach Max Good. "They have all the pieces to hurt you from all points on the floor."

That balance was showed with four players in double figures for the Gales, including 14 points from Diamon Simpson and Ian O'Leary, and a 52.5 percent effort from the field (31-for-59). The Lions finished the game hitting 43.1 percent (22-for-51).

"We did a much better job in the second half of rotating the basketball and getting better shots. By doing that we were able to Kevin into the offense and open up shots for the guards," said Good. "Our guys have to execute at that level all 40 minutes."

The Lions shot 44 percent in the second half, including a 5-for-6 effort from Young. He was 0-for-2 in the first half and was the only Lion to go all 40 minutes. The Lions shot 83.3 percent from the free throw, the fifth straight game over 72 percent. However, they went just 5-for-6 in a game that had a combined 17 fouls. SMC was 8-for-10.

Before the game, LMU alum Steve Smith spoke with the team at the pregame meal. Smith, who coached LMU Assistant Coach Myke Scholl at Jesuit High School in Sacramento, finished his two-year career averaging 21.7 points and 14.0 rebounds, ranking 22nd with 1,109 points and 9th with 714 rebounds.

The Lions conclude their three-game start to the WCC season when they travel to San Diego to take on the Torerros on Saturday, Jan. 17 at 6 p.m.