Loyola Marymount men’s basketball has been on a journey of resilience and growth throughout the 2024-25 season. Under the leadership of fifth-year head coach Stan Johnson, the Lions have battled through a competitive West Coast Conference (WCC), showing moments of brilliance while facing growing pains. With a 16-14 overall record and an 8-10 finish in WCC play, the Lions sit at sixth in the standings, a position that still leaves room for a potential tournament appearance.
Despite falling short in a narrow 58-55 loss to No. 23 Saint Mary’s, the Lions have proven that they can compete with some of the best teams in the country. LMU has displayed a defense-first mentality, something that Johnson has emphasized all season long. “We got a good basketball team, we have to win with our defense,” Johnson said after the game. The defensive effort has been evident, as the Lions hold a defensive rating of 103.8 while allowing an average of 71.2 points per game—ranking them 158th nationally.
Offensively, the team has relied on key players like Caleb Stone-Carrawell, Jevon Porter, and Will Johnston. Stone-Carrawell has been a standout performer, leading the team with an average of 13.5 points per game, while Porter provides a much-needed size and rebounding ability, grabbing 7.4 rebounds per game. Despite some inconsistencies in scoring efficiency, LMU’s offensive rating sits at 102.9, proving that when they execute properly, they can score against any opponent.
The loss to Saint Mary’s (26-6, 15-2 WCC) was a testament to how far LMU has come this season. Johnson praised the Gaels’ coaching staff, saying, “Terrific coach, good system.” Saint Mary’s, a consistent powerhouse in the WCC, has been one of the top teams in the country, making LMU’s close battle all the more impressive.
More importantly, Johnson believes that games like these will prepare the Lions for the high-stakes matchups ahead. “These are going to be the type of championship games we are going to be in,” he said. LMU’s competitive spirit against Saint Mary’s, Gonzaga, and other WCC powerhouses suggests that the Lions could be a dangerous team in the future.
As for March Madness, LMU likely needs a deep WCC Tournament run—if not an outright championship—to secure an NCAA Tournament berth. However, Johnson remains optimistic: “The good thing is there is still a lot of basketball to be played.” If LMU can tighten up its offensive execution and build on its defensive identity, they could be primed for a postseason run.
“We will keep practicing and see where this goes from here,” Johnson concluded. LMU’s season is far from over, and the team’s determination will define how deep of a run they can make in March.
