Web update: Santa Clara knocks off LMU 58-35

By Nicholas Pinkerton

In their West Coast Conference home opener, the Broncos emerged victorious, cruising past the Loyola Marymount Lions for the 58-35 win. The Broncos (9-8) improved to 1-1 in WCC play, while the Lions (4-15) dropped to 1-2.

Coming off a harsh road loss to Saint Mary's, Santa Clara Head Coach Kerry Keating and the Broncos were glad to return to the Leavey Center to better their conference play.

"The players have really responded coming off that bad loss. I thought our crowd was great tonight, it's great to get back home," said Keating.

Santa Clara set the tone in the second half, outscoring the Lions 33-15. The Broncos began the second half on a 6-0 run, pushing their lead to 11 points.

They made two more strong pushes in the second half, going on 9-0 and 13-0 scoring streaks.

Brody Angley led all scorers with 20 points on 8 for 16 shooting, while John Bryant added a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

LMU was cold from the field, shooting only 33 percent and committing 17 turnovers.

To Keating's liking, the Broncos committed just 12 turnovers and out-rebounded the Lions by 19.

"We're not an offensive juggernaut by any means, but we understand that defensive rebounding can help us win games," said Keating.

The road to a 23 point victory did not come easily for the Broncos in the first half.

The Lions came out highly energized and went on an 8-0 run for the first four minutes. Santa Clara slowly answered back, capitalizing off of costly LMU turnovers and taking their first lead with 7:55 left in the half.

Down 18-17 with over four minutes left, the Broncos went on an 8-0 run and led at halftime, 25-20.

The Broncos continue WCC play Monday night against the Pepperdine Waves at 7pm in the Leavey Center.

Game Notes:

Five members of the 1952 Broncos Final Four team appeared at the Leavey Center tonight. The 1952 team marked the only season the Broncos advanced to the Final Four.