San Francisco hosted Loyola Marymount on Saturday night, with both teams hoping to start their first conference game on a high note. USF entered the game 10-3, and has established a resumé that proves to compete in the WCC this season. LMU is 8-4, but is getting hot at the right time, as they have a gauntlet of a schedule to start conference play.
The Dons have a great roster, headlined by a top player in the conference, Malik Thomas, Marus Williams, a great all around player, and Tyrone Riley IV, a true freshman who has proven to be a star for the Dons this season.
The Lions are led by guard Will Johnston, who is a great leader for LMU. At big, Jevon Porter and Alex Merkviladze hold it down. Caleb Stone-Carrawell is a star forward as well, putting up 13 points per game.
USF came out with the victory, 70-55.
The Dons were phenomenal in the second half, winning the overall half 39-31. With 16:18 left in the second half, the Lions took the lead, 33-31. But from there, the Dons went off, led mainly by Malik Thomas and Marcus Williams, finishing the game on a 39-22 run.
Leading the way for the Dons was Thomas, finishing with 19 points and 7 rebounds, quickly emerging as a WCC player of the year candidate. Williams helped with 16, and hit 4 three pointers in the process. His second half heroics gave momentum to USF, to go on their late run.
Barry Wang for 10 and 4, making up for Ndwedo Newbury, who recently went out with an injury. The other two starters, Tyrone Riley IV and Carlton Linguard Jr. combined for 13 points and 16 rebounds.
For the Lions, Jevon Porter put up 22 and 4, leading the way. Myron Amey Jr. had 10 points off the bench as well. Outside of those two, no one put up much of a statline.
The most surprising part of the game was Will Johnston, who had just 2 points, shooting 0/6 from the field, despite averaging 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists throughout the season. If the Lions want to be effective this season, Johnston will need to be a star, and power them through tough times, such as against USF.
The Dons have a tough upcoming game on the hilltop against rival Santa Clara on December 30. The Holy War is one of the best rivalries in the conference, and will be a great game to watch. Both teams’ seasons could be defined early, and both teams are already 1-0 in conference play.
For LMU, they continue their gauntlet on Thursday when they face Washington State in Pullman.