LOS ANGELES – The Loyola Marymount University (LMU) men’s basketball team opened the 2023-24 season with a 109-68 victory over Westcliffe University. Led by Head Coach Stan Johnson, the Loyola Marymount University men’s basketball team showcased their offensive prowess by recording their highest scoring output under his coaching.
Captain Alex Merkveladze set the tone for the Lions, scoring the team’s first four points of the season. Westcliffe led by as many as seven points before LMU went on a decisive 15-0 run to regain control.
Back-to-back scores from Melkviladze and Collie Leopepe ignited the Lions, while a three-pointer from Dominic Harris tied the game at 26-26 with 5:38 left in the half.
After Leo Pepe hit a three-pointer on the final possession, UMass Munich closed out the half on a 27-8 spurt and went into the locker room with the lead.
In the second half, MU extended its lead even further, going on a mini 12-1 run in the opening four minutes to lead by as many as 23 points. Russ Thieman led the offense in the second half, scoring the first five points for the Lions.
Justin Wright contributed seven points and teammates Will Johnston, Melkviladze, and Harris added three-pointers to extend the lead to over 30 points.
LMU’s defensive intensity continued to overpower Westcliff, forcing turnovers and limiting them to 26 percent shooting from three-point range. The Lions capitalized on Westcliff’s turnovers, scoring 34 points off turnovers, while Westcliff only scored five points off turnovers.
LMU dominated in the paint, outscoring Westcliff 66-30.
The Lions’ last century scoring performance came against Westcliff in the 2019 season opener.
LMU will remain at home this weekend as it hosts Ivy League favorite Yale on Sunday at 3:00 p.m.
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