Feb. 4, 2013

Final Stats

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Christopher Anderson made a spectacular game-winning reverse lay-up with 0.2 seconds remaining to give the Toreros (12-12, 5-4) a 69-68 road win in overtime over LMU (8-14, 1-8).

The Toreros found themselves down 68-67 with just five seconds left and LMU's Anthony Ireland at the free-throw line. After Ireland missed the front end of a one-and-one, Anderson received a perfect outlet pass from Chris Manresa and maneuvered through the defense to go coast to coast to score the highlight reel reverse lay-in in traffic with just 0.2 seconds remaining.

Sophomore Chris Anderson hit the game-winning lay-up with 0.2 seconds remaining

"All game LMU came hard at me on my drives, blocking my shot," said Christopher Anderson. "The only thing I thought was I've got to reverse it. I used my athleticism for a reverse layup. End of story. Game winner."

In a game that featured 15 ties, the Toreros battled after losing their leading scorer Johnny Dee midway through the second half to a sprained left ankle. Anderson filled the offensive void, scoring eight of his 13 points in the final stretch.

The Toreros had not won since beating LMU at home 78-70 two weeks ago and the Lions entered the game with a five game losing streak. Neither team wanted another tally in the loss column and both battled all night. The largest lead of the game was USD by six, but the game was within two points for the majority of the contest. The Toreros had a chance to win it in regulation but Cameron Miles missed a tough runner at the buzzer.

"I'm elated for the team," said USD head coach Bill Grier after the game. "We needed that one. I told our guys the great thing about winning this game is you learned a lesson without taking a loss."

Dee led the team, scoring 15 points before he left. Chris Manresa totaled 13 points and grabbd a team-high eight rebounds, while Ken Rancifer added 11 points. Anderson dished out seven assists in 41 minutes of action to go along with his 13 points.

The Lions were led by Anthony Ireland, who hit his first six attempts and finished with 17 points. Ashley Hamilton (11 points 12 rebounds) and Ayodeji Egbeyemi (17 points 11 rebounds) each chipped in double-doubles.

With the win, the Toreros pull into a tie for fourth place in the WCC with Santa Clara at 5-4. On Thursday the Toreros play host to third place BYU (18-6. 8-2) at 7:00 p.m. at the Jenny Craig Pavilion.