The University of San Francisco men's basketball team took care of business in the opening round of the UCU West Coast Conference Tournament, defeating No. 9 San Diego 67-51 on Thursday night at the Orleans Arena. The Dons won't wait long for their next game, as they will take on No. 5 LMU tonight at 6:00 p.m. The Dons and Lions will be televised on Stadium and streamed on the WCC Network. Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler will once again handle the play-by-play duties on tv.  Pat Olson will have the Dons' radio broadcast on the home of USF Dons Basketball, KNRB 1050-AM.
 
GAME INFORMATION
Date/Time: Mar. 5 – 6:00 p.m. PT
Opponent: No. 5 Loyola Marymount (12-8)
Site: Orleans Arena (Las Vegas, Nev.)
TV: Stadium
Talent: Dave McCann (play-by-play); Blaine Fowler (analyst)
Radio:  KNBR 1050-AM
Talent: Pat Olson (play-by-play)
Live Stats: Statbroadcast.com
 
TODAY's MATCHUP
 
Series vs. LOYOLA MARYMOUNT
Loyola Marymount is one of USF's oldest rivals, dating back to 1924 when the Dons were known as The Grey Fog and the University was called St. Ignatius. Sunday contest marks the 165th time the two teams have squared off with the Dons owning a 116-48 advantage in the series. The series is also known for trading points - of the 83 times the Dons have scored 100 points in a game, they have done it 15 times against LMU. On Feb. 4, 1990 the two sides combined to score 272 points - the most combined points scored in a game in USF history.  The Lions took both games in the regular season this year, defeating USF at Gersten 68-60 before coming back to defeat the Dons 68-63 on the Hilltop. Under Golden the Dons are 3-2 against the Lions - having swept LMU three times in 2019-20. This is the ninth time the Dons hand Lions have met in the WCC tournament, USF is 6-2 against LMU which includes an 82-53 thrashing in second round of the WCC Tournament last year when the Dons were the fifth seed.
 
About the LIONS
LMU is coming off a loss at the hands of No. 1 Gonzaga but finished the regular season 12-8 in Stan Johnson's first year.  As a team, the Lions are averaging 70.6 points per contest while shooting 45.6 percent from the field.  Their opponents are averaging 68.9 points per game while shooting 44.5 percent from the field.  LMU turns the ball over a lot - 15.9 times per contest.  Their opponents are averaging 17.5 points per game off turnovers.  Three players are averaging in double figures but it is Eli Scott that makes the Lions go - he is averaging 17.7 ppg and 7.9 rebounds per contest.
 
Last Time Out Versus LMU
Senior guard Jamaree Bouyea put on a display at both ends of the floor and finished with a career-high 33 points, but it was enough as Loyola Marymount came back from eight down at the half to defeat USF 68-63 on Feb. 18. Despite not making a field goal over the final 5:40 the Lions were able to get the win thanks to their play on the glass. LMU outrebounded the Dons 39-25 on the evening, but none was bigger than the rebound by Eli Scott with 1:05 in the contest.  The Dons were leading 63-62 when Scott missed the back end of a 1-on-1.  Following the offensive rebound, Scott was fouled and made both free throws to give LMU a 64-63 lead - a lead they never relinquished.