The Loyola Marymount Lions only played one game last week, but it was enough to make a big impact on the West Coast Conference. The Lions went into Provo and beat the BYU Cougars 82-68 for their fourth straight road win. Sophomore guard Anthony Ireland led the way with a career-high 27 points, and on Monday was named the WCC Men's Basketball Player of the Week.
Ireland is the second LMU player to capture the Player of the Week award this season. Junior forward Ashley Hamilton won the first award of the season, on November 14.
In addition to his 27 points, Ireland and five assists and five steals in the win at BYU. Ireland made seven of his nine shots from the field and made 12 of his 14 free throw attempts. All 14 of his free throw attempts came in the final four minutes of the game to help salt away the victory.
Ireland continued his scoring spree with 25 points Monday night as the Lions extended their road winning streak to five games with a 74-62 victory at the Santa Clara Broncos. On the season, Ireland is averaging 15.86 points per game, narrowly behind Drew Viney (15.90 ppg) for the team lead. Ireland also leads the Lions averaging 5.2 assists per contest.
Ireland and the Lions have their work cut out for them later this week as they host the No. 21 Saint Mary's Gaels on Thursday night at Gersten Pavilion in Los Angeles.