LINKS: Postgame Press Conference | WCC Championships | Give to LMU Athletics
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LAS VEGAS - LMU men's basketball defensively threw everything they had at top-seed Saint Mary's in the quarterfinals of the 2016 West Coast Conference Basketball Championships. In the end, the Lions couldn't keep pace with the Gaels, who earned a 60-48 victory to advance on Saturday night at the Orleans Arena.
The Lions led 29-25 at the half and held the Gaels without a field goal for a stretch of more than seven minutes in the first half. They forced the Gaels into 12 turnovers and had just seven themselves.
However, Saint Mary's, who is ranked the most efficient offense in the nation, found their rhythm, shooting 59.1 percent in the second half. The finished shooting 50 percent (22-for-44) for the game. The Lions, however, went on an 0-for-11 stretch and finished the game shooting just 32.7 percent.
"I love the way we started, our defense was very strong," said Head Coach Mike Dunlap. "We were struggling to score and credit to Saint Mary's defense. But we went into one of those patches that plagued us at times all year where we couldn't score and that put a lot of pressure on our defense. I thought the collective effort was outstanding."
Steven Haney Jr. was the only Lion in double figures with 19 points, hitting 6-for-10 from the field and 3-of-5 from three. He finishes the season with 73 three-pointers, tied for eighth in LMU history.
Four Gaels had double figures, including 16 points, eight rebounds, five assists and four blocks for Dane Pineau. The Gaels (26-4) advance to play Pepperdine in Monday's semifinals.
As for the Lions, they finish the season 14-17, improving by five wins over last season, and closing the year with three straight wins to advance in the WCC tournament. Seniors David Humphries and Marin Mornar wrapped up their careers at LMU, being a major building block for the Lions.
"Last night's game was very important for our organization and our school because it gives everyone hope that our program is on the rise and I think everyone can see that tonight. That gives testament to these two seniors," said Dunlap. "The way these two seniors played all year long is a credit to their character. Their resolve and their leadership was essential to this program."
Mornar finished with four points and two blocks against the Gaels while Humphries hit a three-pointer and had two steals.
"I think I really grew as a person and a player, especially the last two years," said Mornar. "They have taught me a lot. I want to thank LMU, all the staff, all the coaches, thank them for everything they gave me. It is an amazing school to be at."
Mornar played in his 115th game Saturday night, ranked tied for ninth all-time at LMU. His two blocks gives him 131 in his career, second all-time at LMU.
As for Humphries, he had an efficient two seasons with the Lions. He finishes his career 66-for-179 from three, hitting 36.9 percent which is ranked 14th all-time in LMU history.
"Thank you to all of LMU for bringing me here," said Humphries. "I enjoyed my years here. I am so proud of my guys tonight, we played hard and played great defense but couldn't come away with a win."
