LMU Game Preview: Lions Face Formidable Foe in Long Beach State
By Josh Horton
March 6, 2013; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Loyola Marymount Lions mascot performs against the Portland Pilots during the first half of the WCC Basketball Championships at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
LMU at Long Beach State
Game time: 7:00 p.m. PST
TV: http://www.bigwest.org/story.asp?story_id=16318
Radio: http://www.live365.com/stations/kxlu1?site=pro
Teams Records: LMU – 2-0 – LBSU – 1-1
Leading Scorers: LMU – Anthony, Dickinson 17.0 – LBSU – Caffey 16.5
Leading Rebounders: LMU – Levin 7.5 – LBSU – Jennings 12.5
Leading Distributors: LMU – Ireland 7.5 – LBSU – Jones 4.5
Loyola Marymount is looking to build off its success in the USD Classic by slating a victory versus the Long Beach State 49ers. However, that is easier said than done, as LBSU is one of the better teams in the Big West.
The Opponent
Long Beach State was predicted to finish 4th in the Big West this season, and junior guard Mike Caffey is a member of the Big West preseason All-Conference team. The 49ers are coached by former Gonzaga coach Dan Monson, and have won the conference the past 3 years.
LBSU has played two games this season against Hawaii Pacific, which they won 71-59, and Arizona, which they were blown out 91-57.
The Niners are led primarily by junior guard Mike Caffey and senior forward Dan Jennings. Jennings in particular is having a stellar season. The veteran big man is averaging a double-double (13.0 points and 12.5 rebounds per game).
Keys to the Game
Contain Jennings
This is a big one. Jennings has been an absolute menace this season and the Lions will need to contain him. Freshman Gabe Levin and sophomore Ben Dickinson will be the players left with this task. If Jennings pulls down a ton of rebounds and scores a lot of points, things could get pretty bleak for LMU in this game.
In Ireland They Must Trust
Anthony Ireland is the Lions best player, there is no denying that. He needs to play exceptionally well in order for LMU to succeed on the offensive end in this game. Although the freshmen have been dynamic this season, Ireland is the player that needs to be the center of attention. Expect that exact thing to happen tonight.