Box Score Despite a career-high in scoring by Terry Smith Jr. Loyola falls to the Gold Rush 82-72
NEW ORLEANS - The Loyola University New Orleans men's basketball team traveled across town to take on No. 22 Xavier tonight, falling 82-72 at the Convocation Center.
The Wolf Pack (10-8) were first on the board, with Chase Eckholdt finding Terry Smith Jr. for the score, before the Gold Rush (15-6) responded right back a minute later. Loyola leaped out to a quick 10-2 lead, behind two Nick Parker scores, free throws by Eckholdt and a bucket by Tre'Von Jasmine.
As the first half moved on, Loyola jumped out to a nine point lead, up 31-22 with just over two minutes remaining. Xavier would go on a run of their own however, scoring 10 straight to take a 32-31 lead into the break.
The Wolf Pack would start the second half with a 7-0 run after the backcourt duo of Eckholdt and Parker connected on three-straight made baskets. The Pack would build their lead to 15 points after a shot by Eckholdt made the score 59-44 at the 10:14 mark of the second half, their largest lead of the game.
The Gold Rush, however, would stage a second-half comeback, outscoring the Pack by 25 points in the final 10 minutes of the game. After shooting just six free throws in the first half, Xavier would shoot 20 in the second half, most of which came in the final minutes of the game to seal the victory for the home team.
Smith led the Wolf Pack in scoring tonight, collecting a career-best 20 points. Parker added 19, his most since December 4th against LSU Shreveport, while Eckholdt scored 14 behind a 10-10 night at the free throw line to go with six assists.
Recording four steals on the night, Parker moved in to fourth place for career steals at Loyola, now with 145.
The Gold Rush were led by Jalen David, who ended the night with 21 points and seven rebounds, while Rayshawn Mart scored 19.
Loyola will return to The Den for their next matchup, as they take on the University of Mobile Saturday, January 27th at 4 p.m.
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