Washington State vs Loyola Marymount Prediction 2/25/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Washington State Cougars and the Loyola Marymount Lions will meet on Wednesday night in a West Coast Conference matchup at Gersten Pavilion in Los Angeles, California

Loyola Marymount Lions Betting Preview

The Loyola Marymount Lions enter Wednesday night’s contest with a 14–15 win-loss record, including a 5-11 mark in conference play and a 9–7 at home. The Lions have compiled wins over Lincoln, Eastern Washington, Arkansas‑Pine Bluff, UTEP, Troy, UC Santa Barbara, and Ohio, while losing games to Florida Atlantic, Stony Brook, Saint Louis, and UC San Diego.

Earlier this season, in the Loyola Marymount Lions 84-82 double overtime win over the San Francisco Dons earlier this season, Loyola Marymount guard Jan Vide amassed 23 points (8 of 18 shooting from the field), 7 rebounds and 2 steals illustrating his ability to lead the Lions offense.

It should also be noted that these two teams met earlier this season. Who prevailed? The Washington State Cougars defeated the Loyola Marymount Lions 78-76 last month.  

The Loyola Marymount Lions average 73 points on 45.1 percent shooting from the field and 35 percent shooting from beyond the arc per game. On the defensive side of the basketball, the Lions are allowing opponents 73.2 points per game.

Senior guard Myron Amey Jr. leads the Loyola Marymount Lions averaging 13.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Junior guard Rodney Brown Jr. averages 14.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 0.7 steals per contest, while junior guard Jan Vide contributes 12.2 points, 2.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game.   

Washington State Cougars Betting Preview

The Washington State Cougars enter Wednesday evening’s contest with a 12–17 overall record, including a 7-9 mark in conference play and a dreadful 2-9 record on the road. The Cougars have amassed wins over Oregon State and Portland, while dropping games to Saint Mary’s, Seattle, and San Diego.

In the Washington State Cougars 81–67 win over the Oregon State Beavers earlier this season, Washington State guard Ace Glass tallied 16 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal.

The Washington State Cougars are averaging 76.1 points on 47.2 percent shooting from the field and 36.9 percent shooting from beyond the arc per game. Defensively, the Cougars are allowing opponents 77.4 points per contest.

Freshman guard Ace Glass leads the Washington State Cougars averaging 16.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1 steal per game. Forward ND Okafor contributes 10.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per contest anchoring the Cougars frontcourt. Junior forward Rihards Vavers averages 11.3 points, 3.8 rebounds on 47 percent shooting from the field per game.

Why the Loyola Marymount Lions will win

• Backcourt play. Senior guard Myron Amey Jr. leads the Loyola Marymount Lions averaging 13.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.2 steals per game.

 •Balanced scoring. Myron Amey Jr. and Jan Vide combine for over 25 points per game.

• Home court edge. The Loyola Marymount Lions have amassed a 9-7 record at home this season.

Why the Washington State Cougars will win

• Quality backcourt play. Freshman guard Ace Glass leads the Washington State Cougars backcourt averaging 15.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2 assists and 0.7 steals per game.

• Enhanced motivation. The Washington State Cougars have lost four of the team’s last five games played this season.

Washington State vs. Loyola Marymount Prediction

This matchup features Washington State’s quality perimeter shooting efficiency against a Loyola Marymount team that has been far more reliable at home relative to on the road this season. Additionally, the Lions defeated the Cougars earlier this season. Washington State’s defensive inconsistency and recent struggles make the Cougars difficult to trust on the road, especially against a Loyola Marymount team that plays at a high level at home. For the reasons just noted, I am backing the Loyola Marymount Lions to cover the 1.5 points in this game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Loyola Marymount -1.5