The Loyola Marymount Lions’ journey in NCAA basketball is a captivating tale of triumph, tenacity, and unwavering teamwork. This esteemed team, with its unique attributes, rich history, and distinct culture, has carved out a remarkable niche in the realm of collegiate sports. From their inception to their rise as a formidable force in the NCAA, the Lions’ story is one of resilience, strategic prowess, and an enduring passion for the game.
Intriguing Facts About the Loyola Marymount Lions
The Loyola Marymount Lions are not just a team; they are a symbol of exceptional achievement in NCAA basketball. A notable fact is their record-setting scoring average of 122.4 points per game during the 1989-90 season, a testament to their dynamic playstyle. Hank Gathers’ remarkable feat in 1989 as the second player in NCAA Division I to lead in scoring and rebounding simultaneously highlights the caliber of talent the team has fostered.
The Lions hold a unique record for the highest combined scoring games in Division I history, showcasing their offensive prowess. The team’s roots trace back to 1906, starting from St. Vincent’s College, marking a century-long legacy. Additionally, the team’s connection to legendary coaches Pete Newell and Phil Woolpert, both alumni who achieved fame elsewhere, underscores the program’s historical significance in shaping basketball greats.
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The Historical Tapestry of the Loyola Marymount Lions
Since joining the West Coast Conference in 1955, Loyola Marymount’s basketball program has undergone a fascinating evolution. The early years were characterized by steady growth and the emergence of noteworthy players such as Rick Adelman, foreshadowing the program’s potential. However, it was in the late 1980s, under the innovative coaching of Paul Westhead, that the Lions truly made their mark on the national stage. Embracing a high-scoring offensive strategy, the team redefined the norms of college basketball, setting the stage for a new era of high-octane play.
The Golden Era: The Paul Westhead Period
The tenure of Coach Paul Westhead marked a golden era for the Loyola Marymount Lions, transforming the team into a juggernaut of college basketball. Westhead’s innovative coaching philosophy, focused on rapid scoring and relentless offense, propelled the team to unprecedented heights. The era was highlighted by record-breaking scoring averages and the emergence of iconic players like Hank Gathers and Bo Kimble. Their on-court brilliance, coupled with the tragic and untimely loss of Gathers, etched this period in the annals of basketball history as a time of triumph and heartbreak.
Legendary Figures in Loyola Marymount History
The history of the Loyola Marymount Lions is adorned with legendary figures whose contributions have shaped the team’s destiny. Players like Hank Gathers and Bo Kimble, along with Coach Paul Westhead, are more than just names; they are the embodiment of the Lions’ spirit. Their stories of triumph, innovation, and resilience resonate beyond the court, inspiring generations and cementing their status as icons of the game.
A Game to Remember
The 1990 NCAA tournament game against Michigan stands as a pinnacle of Loyola Marymount’s basketball legacy. Scoring a record 149 points, this game was not just a display of the team’s offensive might but a symbol of their indomitable spirit in the face of adversity. It remains one of the most extraordinary demonstrations of skill, determination, and teamwork in college basketball history, a game that continues to inspire and awe fans and players alike.
Loyola Marymount Lions [year] Schedule
Regular Season
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Date: Tue 07/11/2023 | Opponent: Westcliff Warriors | Result: W 109-68 |
| Week 1 | Date: Sun 12/11/2023 | Opponent: Yale Bulldogs | Result: L 80-83 |
| Week 2 | Date: Tue 14/11/2023 | Opponent: Jackson State Tigers | Result: W 88-66 |
| Week 2 | Date: Sun 19/11/2023 | Opponent: Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks | Result: L 76-86 |
| Week 3 | Date: Mon 20/11/2023 | Opponent: Oakland Golden Grizzlies | Result: L 69-74 |
| Week 3 | Date: Tue 21/11/2023 | Opponent: Florida International Panthers | Result: W 61-60 |
| Week 3 | Date: Sat 25/11/2023 | Opponent: Texas-El Paso Miners | Result: W 67-47 |
| Week 4 | Date: Wed 29/11/2023 | Opponent: Central Arkansas Bears | Result: W 90-63 |
| Week 4 | Date: Sat 02/12/2023 | Opponent: Nevada Wolf Pack | Result: L 59-73 |
| Week 5 | Date: Sat 09/12/2023 | Opponent: UNLV Rebels | Result: W 78-75 |
| Week 6 | Date: Sat 16/12/2023 | Opponent: UC Santa Barbara Gauchos | Result: L 59-68 |
| Week 7 | Date: Mon 18/12/2023 | Opponent: Detroit Mercy Titans | Result: W 76-56 |
| Week 7 | Date: Fri 22/12/2023 | Opponent: Colorado St. Rams | Result: L 67-76 |
| Week 8 | Date: Fri 29/12/2023 | Opponent: Tarleton State Texans | Result: L 66-79 |
| Week 9 | Date: Thu 04/01/2024 | Opponent: Santa Clara Broncos | Result: L 57-68 |
| Week 9 | Date: Sat 06/01/2024 | Opponent: Saint Mary’s Gaels | Result: L 64-68 |
| Week 10 | Date: Sat 13/01/2024 | Opponent: Pacific Tigers | Result: W 81-64 |
| Week 11 | Date: Thu 18/01/2024 | Opponent: San Francisco Dons | Result: L 74-90 |
| Week 11 | Date: Sat 20/01/2024 | Opponent: Pepperdine Waves | Result: W 68-61 |
| Week 12 | Date: Thu 25/01/2024 | Opponent: Portland Pilots | Result: W 92-65 |
| Week 12 | Date: Sat 27/01/2024 | Opponent: Saint Mary’s Gaels | Result: L 65-70 |
| Week 13 | Date: Tue 30/01/2024 | Opponent: Gonzaga Bulldogs | Result: L 58-92 |
| Week 14 | Date: Wed 07/02/2024 | Opponent: San Diego Toreros | Result: L 77-79 |
| Week 14 | Date: Sat 10/02/2024 | Opponent: Pepperdine Waves | Result: L 63-72 |
| Week 15 | Date: Thu 15/02/2024 | Opponent: Gonzaga Bulldogs | Result: L 74-91 |
| Week 15 | Date: Sat 17/02/2024 | Opponent: San Francisco Dons | Result: L 59-82 |
| Week 16 | Date: Thu 22/02/2024 | Opponent: Santa Clara Broncos | Result: L 55-65 |
| Week 16 | Date: Sat 24/02/2024 | Opponent: Pacific Tigers | Result: W 86-63 |
| Week 17 | Date: Thu 29/02/2024 | Opponent: San Diego Toreros | Result: W 96-62 |
| Week 17 | Date: Sat 02/03/2024 | Opponent: Portland Pilots | Result: L 60-70 |
Post Season
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conf. Tournament | Date: Fri 08/03/2024 | Opponent: Portland Pilots | Result: L 70-78 |
Home of Loyola Marymount: Gersten Pavilion:
Gersten Pavilion, the venerable home of the Lions, is more than just a basketball venue; it’s a hallowed ground brimming with history and passion. Since 1981, this arena has been the backdrop for some of the most significant moments in Loyola Marymount basketball history. Its walls have witnessed the rise of legends, the forging of rivalries, and the celebration of countless victories, making it an integral part of the team’s identity and legacy.
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