Box Score Pack move to 9-3 in conference behind Terry Smith Jr.'s 16 points and seven rebounds
NEW ORLEANS - Returning home for the first time this month, the Loyola University New Orleans men's basketball team defeated Martin Methodist 65-60 Thursday night in The Den.
The RedHawks (6-19, 5-9) were first to hit the scoreboard before Nick Parker hit a mid-range jumper at the right elbow get the Wolf Pack (13-9, 9-3) offense started. At the 17-minute mark, Robert White hit two free throws to give Loyola their first lead of the game, sparking an 8-1 run for the home team.
A steal by Parker and Trey LaForge layup followed by an Eric Brown three put the Pack on top 15-7. With just under 11 minutes left in the half, Brown hit Terry Smith Jr. for a layup alley oop to give Loyola a 17-9 lead. The visitors cut the lead to two at 17-15 before a three put them out in front 18-17. At the seven-minute mark, Brown sunk a jumper, with Chase Eckholdt putting the Pack up 26-18 moments later.
On back-to-back Martin Methodist possessions, Benjamin Fields blocked a shot in the paint, topping it off with two free throws of his own on the other end. With a minute left before the end of the half, Tre'Von Jasmine sunk a three for the Pack, setting the halftime score at 33-26.
To begin the second half of play, the RedHawks connected on a three pointer, with Jasmine responding with one of his own on the ensuing possession. The visitors clawed their way back to a lead with 14 left to play, jumping out 38-37 before scoring six unanswered. Loyola would climb back, however, taking a 50-49 lead on three-straight buckets by Smith. The two teams exchanged leads as play rolled on, until Fields put the Pack up 61-56 with an and-one three-point play.
Two made shots from the charity line by Smith pushed Loyola's lead up to seven, but the visitors snuck back following a field goal and two free throws. Fouling to keep the clock from running down, the RedHawks sent Parker to the line with 34 seconds remaining, hitting one to make it a four-point game. A missed three on the following Martin Methodist possession gave the Wolf Pack the ball, allowing them to run out the clock and leave The Den with a 65-60 win.
Smith finished the game leading all scorers with 16 points in 17 minutes on 7-8 shooting, while grabbing seven rebounds, three on the offensive end. Jasmine nabbed a game-high eight boards while also putting up 10 points, with LaForge and Fields each recording two blocks.
Javonte Cooper and Jemeereo Spain led the RedHawks with 13 points each, while four members of the visiting squad registered five rebounds.
The Wolf Pack will continue their conference schedule, hosting Bethel University this Saturday, February 10th in The Den at 4 p.m.
You can keep up with the Pack by following Wolf Pack Athletics on Facebook at Facebook.com/LoyolaWolfPack, Twitter and Instagram @LoyolaWolfPack, and by checking out our website at LoyolaWolfPack.com.
