Santa Clara Broncos and Loyola Marymount Lions ignite the West Coast Conference race Thursday night at 11 p.m. EST. With playoff implications on the line, Santa Clara (17-10, 9-5 WCC) aims to leverage its 10-3 home record against a resilient Lions squad (15-12, 7-8 WCC) renowned for clutch performances.
The Broncos average 80.3 points per game (2nd in WCC), powered by a conference-best 10.3 three-pointers per outing. Adama Bal, their dynamic guard, averages 13.6 points and 2.4 threes at a 37.8% clip. “Our offensive flow starts with spacing and trusting each other,” Bal emphasized after their recent 78-67 win over Portland.
Santa Clara’s 3-point barrage (10.3/game) towers over Loyola Marymount’s perimeter defense (6.6 allowed).
Loyola Marymount counters with Jevon Porter (11.1 points, 7.2 rebounds last 10 games) and Caleb Stone-Carrawell (13.8 points). The Lions’ 4-0 record in games decided by ≤4 points proves their composure. Key Stat: LMU allows just 69.4 points in their last 10 games – but Santa Clara’s 48.2% shooting could disrupt that.
- Broncos’ Last 10: 6-4 (78.7 PPG, 48.2% FG)
- Lions’ Last 10: 6-4 (69.7 PPG, 44.3% FG)
Carlos Stewart (11.9 points last 10 games) adds backcourt depth for Santa Clara, while LMU must contain the Broncos’ transition game. Tip-off at Leavey Center could reshape the WCC standings – tune in live or stream via ESPN+.