KEILOR, Victoria, Australia – A slow first quarter did not stop Loyola Marymount from winning big over the Aspiring Stars All-Start team assembled in Australia. The Lions erased an early deficit to win 90-54 at Keilor Basketball Stadium.
 
Despite trailing 19-13 after the first quarter, the Lions took control the rest of the way, taking the lead into intermission, and outscoring the hosts 52-23 in the second half.
 
"The emphasis was defense," said Head Coach Mike Dunlap. "It was good to see Dameane Douglas go, give Ivan some minutes, and see Jordan Bell produce. And Petr got on the floor and he hadn't played in literally a year."

Eight of LMU's 12 players to see the court finished with eight or more points, led by newcomer Jordan Bell's 15 on 6-for-11 shooting.
 
Mattias Markusson added 11 points and seven rebounds, and Joe Quintana scored 10 points.
 
James Batemon totaled a game-high five assists to go along with his seven points, and Dameane Douglas tied Markusson's seven boards for the rebound-high to add to his eight points.

Eli Scott, Zafir Williams, Donald Gipson, and Jeffery McClendon all scored eight points of 50-percent shooting or better.
 
As a team, the LMU defense held the Aspiring Stars to just 33.3 percent (18-for-54) shooting, while converting 48.0 percent (36-for-75) on the offensive end.
 
"The Aussies know their basketball," said Dunlap. "It was a great crowd, and they not only turned out, but they are smart. They enjoyed it and I thought our play allowed them to back us a little.
 
The Lions will shift focus to SEABL opponent Dandenong Rangers for Tuesday's night's game before closing the Melbourne leg of the journey against Melbourne United of the NBL.