Loyola Marymount methodically moves on, tops Belmont to play for Riviera Division title

LOYOLA MARYMOUNT 77, BELMONT 63

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MX – Loyola Marymount used strong defense and a balanced scoring attack to sail past Belmont at the Men’s Cancun Challenge on Tuesday, with the Lions earning a spot in the Riviera Division championship game against Wyoming on Wednesday.

The game will be broadcast by CBS Sports Network at 8:30 p.m. ET.

LMU (2-3) held the Bruins (4-2) to 37 percent shooting, which included a difficult night from 3-point range at 9-for-29, while taking care of the ball (just seven turnovers) and winning the rebounding battle at 44-41.

Will Johnston closed with 22 points for Loyola Marymount; Jevon Porter had 16 points and 12 rebounds, and Alex Merkviladze finished with 11 points.  

With the score tied at 16-all in the first half, LMU went on an 11-2 run to open up a lead, one that stood at 36-25 at halftime. The Lions hit six 3-pointers in the half and forced nine turnovers.

LMU came out fully engaged in the second half, using an 8-0 run to take a 47-29 lead with 16:15 remaining.

Belmont got 17 points from Jonathan Pierre; Brody Peebles scored 11 points and Isaiah Walker had 10 points and nine rebounds. The Bruins will take on Tulane in the third-place game of the Riviera Division on Wednesday.

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