Preview: Oregon State, Loyola Marymount Set for Rematch in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (Interstat) — A pivotal rematch awaits in the desert when the No. 22-10 Oregon State Beavers face the No. 21-8 Loyola Marymount Lions in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Monday at Orleans Arena.

The matchup carries significant weight for postseason positioning and features a compelling recent history. Just 10 days ago, on Feb. 28, Loyola Marymount edged Oregon State 71-69 in overtime in Corvallis, Oregon. The Lions also won the season’s first meeting, 55-51, on Jan. 15 in Los Angeles.

Oregon State enters having snapped that two-game skid against the Lions with a 60-50 home victory over Portland on Sunday. The Beavers are powered by center Lizzy Williamson, who is coming off a dominant performance with 20 points and 16 rebounds in that win. Her recent play has been stellar, including a triple-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds against Washington State on Feb. 21. However, she was limited to 10 points in the overtime loss to Loyola Marymount last month.

Loyola Marymount counters with guard Maya Hernandez, who scored a team-high 20 points in the Feb. 28 victory at Oregon State. Hernandez has been a consistent offensive force, scoring 22 points against Seattle on Feb. 19 and 17 against San Diego on Feb. 21 during the Lions’ current six-game winning streak.

The neutral court setting in Las Vegas adds a new variable. According to Interstat’s ELO system, Oregon State is projected with a 71.60 percent probability to win, suggesting the Beavers’ stronger strength of schedule and overall record give them a slight analytical edge.

For Oregon State, containing Hernandez and reversing their recent fortunes against the Lions’ defense will be key. For Loyola Marymount, replicating their defensive success against Williamson and proving their February win was no fluke on a neutral floor are the primary objectives. Tipoff is set for Monday night.