The Final Non-Conference Game: La Sierra at LMU Lions Preview
By Cam Newton
Dec 6, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Loyola Marymount Lions guard Anthony Ireland (3) dribbles the ball against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the second half at the Petersen Events Center. Pittsburgh won 85-68. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
GAME INFO:
- Who: La Sierra Golden Eagles (3-11) @ LMU Lions (7-4)
- Where: Gersten Pavilion, Los Angeles, California
- Time: 9 PM ET/6 PM PT
- Watch: LMULions.com
- Listen: KXLU 88.9
Ah, it feels like just yesterday that LMU began the season with a close win over Grand Canyon. Yet, here we are, almost in January, meaning that it’s almost time for one of the greatest things in sports: college basketball conference play. Alas, LMU’s December 28th WCC opener against BYU isn’t here just yet. LMU has one more opponent before then-the La Sierra Golden Eagles-whom they face tonight at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT.
I’m certainly viewing this game as a prepper for conference play. LMU is fresh off of a 20 point victory against Cal Poly. In a game that featured a scoring barrage from a Lions team that was hampered by injuries, we caught a glimpse at just how well this LMU team can play. This isn’t your average ball-team.
La Sierra, on the other hand, is a team that is below average, statistically speaking. For those who don’t know (and I honestly didn’t know either until I looked this up), La Sierra plays in the CAL PAC Conference, a division in the NAIA. They have a brand new coach this season, Derek Robbins, and they currently have a record of 3-11. They have played one other WCC team this season, losing to Santa Clara 97-61. Their best player is Daveon Woods, who averages 18 points per game, 3 assists per game, and 4 rebounds per game.
Now, I never like to say that a game is a guaranteed win, but one must think that this is a for sure going to be a win for LMU. That’s one of the main reasons for scheduling smaller schools. LMU is sure to have a big game, which is important to boost morale heading into conference. I don’t know if anything can give LMU more momentum going into next week’s HUMONGOUS game against conference foe BYU. Especially if those wins are both very large. I certainly expect LMU to win those one by a large margin, as I believe that Ireland and Payne will both have over 20 points. Dickinson played very well last game, and the Senior Alex Osborne started last week and played very hard, as did Marin “Money” Mornar.
PREDICTION: LMU 91, La Sierra 69
Overall, I think LMU is going to win by a large margin. LMU is too quick and I just don’t think that La Sierra will be able to maintain that pace throughout the course of 40 minutes. I think Anthony Ireland will have his best game of the season so far tonight against La Sierra, and I believe that this will be a confidence-booster for LMU’s front court, who hasn’t had much of a chance to blossom yet this season.