It’s Record Night for McKenzie and Loyola Marymount

Forrest McKenzie broke the Loyola Marymount University career scoring record and Loyola broke a four-game losing streak Tuesday night with a 116-67 victory over St. Ambrose of Iowa.

The 49-point win over the NAIA school also tied a school record for largest margin of victory.

McKenzie, a senior from Pasadena who came to Loyola as a defensive specialist, scored the last of his 16 points on a turnaround jumper from the right baseline to give him 1,707 for his career, one better than Jim Haderlein’s record, which had stood since 1971.

“I knew I could score in high school, but my main concern was defense,” said McKenzie, a 6-7 forward. “I said I wanted to be a scorer at Loyola. I took advantage of the opportunity they gave me. I’m really grateful to Loyola. I’d come here again given the same chance.”

McKenzie’s record-breaker came at the 9:15 mark, when Loyola (7-6) was already ahead, 88-52. He received a standing ovation from the crowd of 950,

McKenzie wasn’t the only Lion to sting the Fighting Bees (5-10). Senior guard Keith Smith had a game-high 18 points and trails McKenzie by 27 points on the career scoring list. Sophomore forward Mark Armstrong had a career-high 15 points and 12 rebounds. Every Loyola player scored.

The Lions shot 60%, had 12 players in double figures and outrebounded the Bees, 62-32. After a sluggish start, Loyola led, 55-37, at halftime. Center Mitch Myers led the Bees with 15 points and 7 rebounds.