Preview: San Diego at Loyola Marymount Women’s Basketball LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — The Loyola Marymount Lions will look to continue their push near the top of the West Coast Conference standings and avenge a recent loss when they host the San Diego Toreros in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Saturday at Gersten Pavilion. The Lions (17-8 overall) enter on a five-game winning streak, including a 72-63 victory over Gonzaga on Feb. 14. Jess Lawson has been a consistent force, averaging 15.2 points over her last five contests. She posted a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds in the teams’ first meeting this season, a 69-60 road loss to San Diego on Jan. 24. San Diego (9-18) snapped a four-game skid with a win over Seattle on Feb. 7 but has since lost two straight, including a 56-56 home defeat to Gonzaga on Feb. 12. The Toreros’ success hinges largely on the play of guard Kylie Ray, who exploded for 26 points, nine rebounds and five assists in the January win over LMU. She is averaging 21.3 points over her last three games where she played significant minutes. Despite the disparity in records, the first matchup suggests a competitive rematch. San Diego’s defense held LMU to 35.8% shooting from the field in the January victory. The Lions, however, have found their rhythm since, winning seven of their last eight games and boasting a more balanced offensive attack, with Andjela Matic and Maya Hernandez providing key support alongside Lawson. For Loyola Marymount, the game represents an opportunity to solidify its conference standing and exact revenge. For San Diego, it is a chance to play spoiler and build momentum behind Ray’s standout play. Tipoff is set for Saturday afternoon in Los Angeles.