USC Trojans Dismantle Loyola Marymount

Going up against their second Pac-12 opponent this season, the Loyola Marymount Lions took a short trip over to the Galen Center to take on the USC Trojans. Sadly for LMU, though, this game was over before it started, as they were handed a 77-61 loss at the hands of USC.

Evan Payne managed to knock down 19 points, going 3-4 from the three point line. And while Payne was able to keep pace with USC’s lineup, the rest of the Lions’ roster was not able to follow. Payne was the only player on Loyola Marymount’s roster to score in double figures, with the next highest scorer being Godwin Okonji, who contributed seven points.

This isn’t the first time the Lions have struggled to get going offensively. You may recall from their last Pac-12 matchup, against the Arizona State Sun Devils, that not one player in LMU’s lineup scored in double digit figures. Due to the defensive intensity that the Sun Devils and Trojans brought to the floor, the Lions have found themselves without any answers on the offensive end.

Nov 25, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans guard Jordan McLaughlin (11) shoots the ball while defended by Cal State Fullerton Titans forward Joe Boyd (13) at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Southern California was able to limit the Lions to 36.8% shooting, as well as score a resounding 17 fast-break points, compared to only four fast-break points for Loyola Marymount. More so, LMU committed 16 turnovers on the night; again, this speaks volumes to the overwhelming defense that the Trojans exhibited on the floor.

Jordan McLaughlin led USC in scoring with 18 points and also added four rebounds and three steals. Julian Jacobs contributed 14 points, and Nikola Jovanovic scored 12 to go with eight rebounds. This is USC’s third win in a row.

The next game for LMU is on December 13 when they take on the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks. This stretch of time should provide Mike Dunlap with a good opportunity to review film, get some good practice sessions in, and help solve some of his team’s distressing offensive woes.