Gonzaga Defeats Loyola for Share of WCC Lead

SPOKANE, Wash. — Paul Rogers scored 23 points to lead Gonzaga to an 81-68 victory over Loyola Marymount on Sunday, and into a tie with Santa Clara for the West Coast Conference lead.

Kyle Dixon added 17 points and Scott Snider 12 as the Bulldogs, 16-6 overall and 7-3 in the WCC, overcame poor second-half shooting.

Jim Williamson, Kenny Hotopp and Terryl Woolery each scored 14 points for Loyola Marymount (15-8, 5-5).

The Lion’s leading scorer, Ime Oduok, fouled out after receiving a technical foul with 17:29 left to play.

“When Ime left the game, we became a much less physical team,” Loyola Coach John Olive said. “Gonzaga was then able to exploit us.”

It was Gonzaga’s 16th consecutive home victory and 50th in 52 home games.

Loyola made only four of 10 free throws and Gonzaga made 25 of 33.

Gonzaga led, 41-35, at halftime, then outscored Loyola, 10-2, to open the second half and take control.

Loyola pulled within seven at 62-55 with eight minutes left.

But Gonzaga got six points each from Rogers and Snider during an 18-4 run that gave the Bulldogs a 21-point lead with two minutes left.