The UC San Diego Tritons (9-1) visit the Loyola Marymount Lions (7-3) on Tuesday night in a West Coast matchup in college basketball. Both teams enter this non-conference clash looking to build on solid starts to their seasons. UCSD’s high-powered offense has been a strength, while LMU aims to use its solid defense to pull out a win here. Before tip-off from Los Angeles, you will find my UC San Diego vs Loyola Marymount prediction below.
Our UC San Diego vs Loyola Marymount Pick
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: UC San Diego Tritons @ Loyola Marymount Lions
- Date & Time: December 16, 2025, 8:30 PM ET
- Venue: Gersten Pavilion, Los Angeles, California
- Broadcast: ESPN+
Key Storylines
UC San Diego has emerged as one of the more efficient offenses in college basketball early in the season, scoring 84.4 points per game while shooting over 50% from the floor and above 40% from three-point range. The Tritons’ assist rate and assist-to-turnover ratio also show that they have had good ball movement and decision-making.
Loyola Marymount’s scoring sits near 79.7 points per game, with the team benefitting from contributions from upperclassmen and balanced production from multiple positions. Myron Amey Jr. has been one of the Lions’ primary options in scoring and experience, averaging 14.9 points per game.
The Lions are struggling heading into this game. They have lost three of their last four games, including a bad loss to Stony Brook on November 28. But the Lions have had a ton of time to rest and prepare for this contest, as they have not played a basketball game since December 2. They will likely be rested and ready to go after two weeks off.
Head-to-Head & Betting Trends
- UC San Diego won the only all-time meeting between these programs in 2014.
- UC San Diego is 7-2 against the spread so far this season.
- LMU has covered the spread 5 times in 9 tries thus far.
- The Tritons have gone over the total in 6 of their first 9 outings.
- The Lions have seen 5 of their first 9 games stay under their respective totals.
UC San Diego vs Loyola Marymount Model Projection
Final Thoughts
I’m taking the points with LMU in this matchup between two mid-major programs from California. The Lions have been solid at home so far this season and they have a huge rest advantage going into this game. The Lions may not win this contest, but I think it’s a one-possession game in either direction and will gladly take the points with the home dog.
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