Breaking Down LMU’s Non-Conference Schedule
By Josh Horton
Feb 21, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; La Salle Explorers guard Tyrone Garland (21) brings the ball up court during the first half against the Temple Owls at the Liacouras Center. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Providence, Vanderbilt, Morgan State, or La Salle – Ezbons Virgin Islands Paradise Jam Semifinals/Loser’s Bracket Game/Consolation Game on Sunday, Championship/Consolation Game on Monday.
Sunday, November 24th. Virgin Islands.
Monday, November 25th. Virgin Islands.
Last Season (Providence): 19-15 (9-9 Big East). NIT Quarterfinal.
Last Season (Vanderbilt): 16-17 (8-10 SEC).
Last Season (Morgan State): 17-15 (10-6 MEAC).
Last Season (La Salle): 24-10 (11-5 A-10). Sweet Sixteen.
At this point the tournament breakdown will get a little confusing, so here is what game the Lions will play in, depending on how they do in the previous two/three games.
Win-Win: Championship Game.
Win-Lose-3rd place consolation game. Loser gets 5th.
Lose-Win-Win: 4th place consolation game. Loser gets 6th.
Lose-Lose: 7th place consolation game.
Depending on the degree of success that the Lions experience, they could be playing either one or two more games at this point. Either one or two of these teams listed above will be playing LMU to cap off the tournament. Confusing, right?
With that being said, none of these teams are world-beaters, but should provide a decent test for the Lions. Providence is returning its three leading scorers from last year in Bryce Cotton (19.7 PPG), Kadeem Batts (14.8 PPG), andLaDontae Henton (13.0 PPG). On top of that, the Friars are bringing in four-star recruit Brandon Austin, who could make a significant impact. Seniors Rob Odom and Kyle Fuller will need to step up big time in order for Vanderbilt to generate any success in this tournament. Justin Black and Anthony Hubbard could be big contributors for the Morgan State Bears as they try and build off of last year’s winning season. La Salle is fresh off a deep NCAA tournament run and is returning a trio of double-digit scorers in Tyreek Duran (14.2 PPG), Tyrone Garland (13.1 PPG), and Jerrell Wright (13.1 PPG).