Nov. 4, 2009

Final Stats | Photo Gallery

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - The LMU men's basketball team posted an 82-65 win over Hope International in an exhibition game at Gersten Pavilion Wednesday night. The Lions win featured six players who were in their first action as a Lion, including transfer Drew Viney, who led the Lions with a double-double, scoring 18 points and 12 rebounds.

The Lions jumped out to a 21-point lead at the break, 42-21 and never trailed in the contest. They hit 49.2 percent from the field and forced Hope International into 21 turnovers on 11 steals. The Lions also added 10 blocks.

However, it was the fact the Lions had 17 turnovers, shot just 59.4 percent from the free throw line and allowed Hope International to score 44 points on a 55-percent second half that had the attention of Head Coach Max Good.

"These are Division I players and they have to have more pride and toughness in the second half," said Good. "You cannot let a team shoot 55 percent in any half. And we were very careless with the ball and lacked focus. We did not play nearly as well as we have in our scrimmages leading up to this game. This team has to get tougher. There wasn't much I saw tonight that was worth talking about."

The Lions showed their depth as 12 players made an appearance in the contest, 11 of them scoring points.

In addition to the double-double, Viney added three assists, three blocks and three steals. Also in his first game was freshman Given Kalipinde, who scored 12 points with two assists, a block and two steals. Returners Kevin Young and Vernon Teel each scored 10 points.

Young went 5-for-6 from the field but only played five minutes in the second half after taking an elbow to the head. He did not return. "Kevin took a nasty blow to the head and it looks like he has a concussion. It is likely he will miss some practice," said Good.

The Lions will open their season on Friday, Nov. 13 when they take on Boise State at the Montana Tournament. Game time is set for 4:34 p.m. (PT).