LOS ANGELES – The regular season has wrapped up, and now LMU is gearing up for the Credit Union 1 West Coast Conference Men’s Basketball Championship.
The Lions are the No. 10 seed and will play their first game against No. 11 San Diego. Excitingly, LMU swept the Toreros in February, winning both times by double digits. This matchup will take place on Thursday, March 5 at 8:30 PM, and you can catch it on ESPN+. Last year, LMU also faced USD in the first round and won convincingly, 100-74.
If they advance, LMU will take on Seattle in the second round on Friday, March 6 at the same time. The Redhawks, the No. 7 seed, managed to win both encounters with LMU this season, setting the stage for a competitive rematch.
On Saturday, March 7, LMU could meet Pacific, the 6th seed, for another critical game at 8:30 PM. Earlier in the season, Pacific narrowly edged out LMU twice, both by single-digit margins.
Should the Lions make it through, they will face the 3-seed Santa Clara in the next round, moving from ESPN+ to a national broadcast on ESPN2 at 8:00 PM. A victory here could set the Lions on the path to the semifinals.
The semifinal showdown is scheduled for Monday, where LMU could meet Saint Mary’s, one of the WCC Co-Champions and the No. 2 seed. The teams previously clashed in December, with a nail-biting finish that saw LMU narrowly lose in a high-stakes game.
The championship game will take place on Tuesday, March 10 at 6:00 PM on ESPN. The winner earns an automatic spot in the NCAA Tournament, making every game vital.
The entire tournament runs from March 5-10 at the Orleans Arena. Interested fans can find tickets here.
In recent years, the tournament’s popularity has surged, evidenced by a 15% increase in attendance last season compared to previous years, according to the West Coast Conference’s annual report. Social media is buzzing with excitement as fans create hashtags to rally their teams, showcasing a deeper connection to college athletics.
For ongoing coverage of Loyola Marymount University athletics, visit LMULions.com. Follow the action on social media as well, whether it’s through Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. Let’s cheer on the Lions as they embark on this thrilling championship journey!
