As the calendar flips to February, the margin for error grows thinner for bubble teams clinging to tournament aspirations. For one West Coast squad, a three-game skid has pushed them to the brink, making their upcoming home contest a high-stakes affair. Loyola Marymount, mired in a 2-7 conference record, desperately needs a quality win to resuscitate their fading tournament hopes. With a NET ranking of 167 and a dismal 0-4 mark in Quad 1 games, the Lions' resume is lacking the punch needed to impress the selection committee.
Enter Santa Clara, a team that has been a thorn in the side of conference opponents, boasting an 8-1 record in WCC play. The Broncos' impressive 17-5 overall mark, coupled with a respectable 45 NET ranking, has them solidly in the tournament field. Their quad record, featuring a 1-3 mark in Quad 1 games and a 4-1 record in Quad 2 contests, demonstrates their ability to compete against top-tier opponents. A win on the road would not only pad their tournament resume but also maintain their grip on the conference lead.
According to the CHD Scout prediction, Santa Clara is favored to win by 7.2 points, with Loyola Marymount holding just a 25.4% chance of pulling off the upset. While the Lions have struggled to find consistency, their home crowd at Gersten Pavilion could provide the spark needed to ignite a turnaround. However, with no notable player momentum to speak of, it's unclear where the catalyst for a Loyola Marymount surge might come from.
CHD Scout Prediction
Santa Clara
78
Loyola Marymount
71
Given the stakes and the teams' respective trajectories, it's difficult to envision Loyola Marymount halting their slide against a Santa Clara team that has been rolling. The Broncos' recent three-game win streak, combined with their impressive conference record, suggests they have the momentum and the mettle to secure a road victory. I predict Santa Clara will emerge victorious, 78-71, as they continue to build their tournament case and leave Loyola Marymount to ponder what might have been. The Lions' tournament hopes, already on life support, will likely flatline if they fail to capitalize on this opportunity.