Box Score Double-doubles from Zach Wrightsil and Myles Burns weren't enough to lift the Pack over the Toppers
BLUE MOUNTAIN, Miss. – Down by 14 at halftime, the Loyola University New Orleans men's basketball team came back but dropped an 82-79 road decision to Blue Mountain.
Ethan Turner knocked in a quick three-pointer to open the game's scoring as the Wolf Pack (9-6, 4-4 SSAC) took an early 3-0 lead. However, The Toppers (8-5, 2-5 SSAC) mostly had their way in the first half, as they responded with a 13-2 run and would soon extend their lead to double digits.
After holding as large as an 18-point lead, The Toppers would enter the halftime break with a 46-31 advantage after shooting 53.1% in the period. The Wolf Pack began to change the game's momentum near the end of the first period, however, as they went on a 9-0 run to cut the deficit to single digits by the opening minutes of the second half.
Both teams played a back-and-forth game for the majority of the half while the Pack attempted to chip away at the home lead, eventually trailing by just one point at 76-75 with 39 seconds to play. After the teams traded free throws, the Wolf Pack had one final chance down three points, but couldn't convert and fell by a final score of 82-79.
The Wolf Pack will now return to New Orleans for a five-game homestand, beginning with a matchup against Dalton State 7:30 p.m. on Thursday in The Den.
Wolf Pack Head Coach Stacy Hollowell
"Tonight we were outplayed for the majority of the game. Blue Mountain came out and shot the ball well and we dug ourselves a hole. In the second half, we made a run to cut it to one with just over a minute left, but had key turnovers and missed free throws that ultimately cost us the game."
Pack Facts
The Wolf Pack outscored the Toppers 48-37 in the second half.
With 24 points and 12 rebounds, Zach Wrightsil notched his third-straight double-double, and his seventh of the season.
Myles Burns logged his fourth double-double of the season after putting up 12 points and 12 boards.
Eric Brown scored 11 points, all of which came in the second half to fuel the comeback attempt
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.
