Box Score The Pack are unable to outscore a Florida College offense that sinks 14 three pointers
TEMPLE TERRACE, Fla. – Playing in their first regular season game outside of New Orleans, the Loyola University New Orleans men's basketball team opened their Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) schedule with a 94-85 road loss to Florida College Thursday night.
The Wolf Pack (4-3, 0-1) opened up with a 6-3 lead after scores from the freshman trio of Myles Burns, Cameron Dumas and Zach Wrightsil. The two teams would trade scores with ties of 6-6, 8-8 and 10-10, all occurring within the first three minutes of play. Trailing by six at the 13:50-mark, Loyola would go on to score 11 straight to go up 25-20.
With just under 10 minutes to play in the first half, yet another tie would hit the scoreboard at 28-28 as neither team allowed the other to take a commanding lead. With just over a minute left on the clock, Terry Smith Jr. would knock down a pair of free throws to make it 43-39 before Florida College (6-2, 1-0) would hit one of their 14 made shots from three to close the half.
A pair of scores from Wrightsil and layup from Dumas would give Loyola a quick 49-43 lead, but the home team would soon draw it even. With 15 minutes on the clock the Pack were out in front 54-51, before a three-point barrage from the Falcons would give them a lead they would hold for the rest of the night. While the Wolf Pack would get within seven points with just under eight minutes remaining, the home team kept Loyola at bay.
The Pack will continue their SSAC schedule on the road this weekend, taking on Brewton-Parker this coming Saturday, December 1 at 3 p.m.
Wolf Pack Head Coach Stacy Hollowell
"It was a tough night defensively for us, but was a good introduction to the level competitiveness we will see in conference play. Florida College is a well-coached team, they played tough and hit big shots. The quick turnaround for us on Saturday gives us a chance to get back on our feet at Brewton-Parker."
Pack Facts
Tonight's leading scorer for Loyola with 18, Terry Smith Jr. has now scored in double digits in the past six games.
The sophomore is now averaging 15.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
Freshman Myles Burns scored 17 tonight, adding seven rebounds and seven steals.
Burns has now grabbed seven or more boards in six of seven games this year, and averages eight per contest.
Ethan Turner has hit a three-pointer in all seven games so far this season.
You can keep up with the Pack this season by following Wolf Pack Athletics on Facebook at Facebook.com/LoyolaWolfPack, Twitter and Instagram @LoyolaWolfPack, and by checking out our website at LoyolaWolfPack.com.
