The Santa Clara Broncos nightmare WCC schedule continued Monday night as they dropped a home game 74-62 to the Loyola Marymount Lions. The Broncos drop to 0-6 with the loss and remain in the cellar and a game back of Pepperdine. The Lions continued their strong start to conference play, improving to 5-2. The Lions are a half game back of BYU with a game in hand courtesy of their stunning road upset of the Cougars.
Santa Clara struggled shooting as they shot 35.7 percent from the field, including 27.8 percent from three-point range. The Broncos were led by Evan Roquemore's 17 points. Niyi Harrison (11 points and nine rebounds) and Yannick Atanga (career-high 12 points and nine rebounds) had near double-doubles, while John McArthur added eight points off the bench.
The LMU Lions shot 51 percent from the field, including a robust 42.9 percent from three-point range. Anthony Ireland led the way with 25 points and five assists, while Drew Viney (16 points) and LaRon Armstead (11 points) added double digit point totals.
The Broncos wrap up this three-game homestand when they welcome the San Francisco Dons on Thursday. The Broncos have lost seven straight games and will look to get their first conference win on Thursday. The Lions head home to start a four-game homestand. Their homestand starts with a monster showdown against the Saint Mary's Gaels this Thursday. SMC is unbeaten in conference play and will provide a stiff challenge to the Lions.