The Oakland Golden Grizzlies and the Loyola Marymount Lions meet Monday in college basketball action from John Gray Gymnasium. Oakland is just 1-3 on the year and coming off an eight-point loss to Drake. As for LMU, they’re 2-2 so far following a loss to Stephen F. Austin on Sunday. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.

Oakland Golden Grizzlies 

The Grizzlies’ only victory so far was an 81-62 blowout over Bowling Green last Tuesday. Oakland shot a nice 49.1 percent from the field in that one with 38.9 percent (7-of-18) from 3-point range. Otherwise the Grizzlies lost to Ohio State 78-73 and Illinois 64-53 in their first three games this season. 

On Sunday versus Drake, Oakland put up another L in the win/loss columns. The Grizzlies were within one point at halftime but faded on a 48-41 second-half run and lost 85-77. Rocket Watts was the team’s top scorer with 23 points and two rebounds. Chris Conway added 12 points and six boards as well. 

LMU Lions

Over on the Loyola Marymount side, they’ve alternated wins with losses over their four games this year. The Lions blew out Westcliff 109-68 in their opener, then eked out a 73-70 win over Yale. LMU followed that up with an 88-66 win over Jackson State, shooting 49.2 percent from the field with 47 rebounds. 

In their Sunday matchup versus Stephen F. Austin, the Lions were up 39-33 by halftime. LMU faded badly in the second with a 53-37 deficit however and lost 86-76. Justice Hill topped the team with 24 points in the losing effort, and Justin Wright posted 14 points with three assists and two steals. 

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’ll probably just stay with LMU. The Lions had a bad second half against Stephen F. Austin in their most recent appearance, but overall they didn’t play too horribly. Loyola Marymount ended up with 46.3 percent shooting from the field and 45.5 percent (10-of-22) from 3-point range alongside a 31-28 rebounding deficit. LMU has posted 76 or more points in all four games this season, so they should put up a decent total here as well. 

As for Oakland, they’re coming off a nice shooting outing versus Drake with 51.7 percent from the field. The 18 turnovers didn’t help though, nor did Drake’s 37.5 percent from 3-point range. All things considered I like LMU to outpace the Grizzlies on a cover here.