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After a long trip in Puerto Rico, the Lions have returned home to open the regular season as they take on Gonzaga and Portland in Gersten Pavillion. Though LMU had a disappointing last week at the Puerto Rico Classic, the Lions are looking to come out strong and begin conference play on a high note. 

The regular season is set to begin on Saturday, Dec. 29 as the Lions face the Gonzaga Bulldogs. The Gonzaga team has had a record breaking pre-season this year with an 11-1 record, the best non-conference record in program history. The Bulldogs are ranked number 20 in the NCAA AP poll and number 16 in the RPI. Seniors Zykera Rice and Chandler Smith lead the team in points, scoring an average of 11.7 and 10.3 per game respectively.  The Zags have won WCC conference play and the WCC tournament two years in a row and are shooting for their third straight title this year. 

The Portland Pilots, whom the Lions face on Monday, Dec. 31, have also had a fairly strong pre-season. Currently they are 8-3 and will be facing Pepperdine on the 29th before heading to Gersten Pavilion to face LMU. Like the Zags, the Pilots are led by strong senior players, specifically Julie Spencer and Darian Slaga, each averaging around 16 points a game. Currently, the Pilots are the top scoring team in the WCC and are strong behind the line, leading the league in three-pointers. 

Both Gonzaga and Portland will be challenging opponents for the LMU, but, as always, the Lions will be up to the task. With key players such as Gabby Green and Chelsey Gipson back on the court after battling pre-season injuries, the Lions are in good shape to compete with high level teams. The Lions will also rely on the talents of Bree Alford, Jasmine Jones, and Andee Velasco, as well as the leadership of Head Coach Charity Elliott, to lead the team to a WCC victory. 

Following these games, the Lions head to San Diego and Provo to face USD and BYU on Jan. 3 and Jan. 5.