Box Score The Tigers escape with a two-point win against Loyola for the second time this season despite 60 second-half points by the Pack and Wrightsil's 10th double-double
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – In a nail-biter at Birthright Alumni Hall, the Loyola University New Orleans men's basketball team fell 95-93 against No. 9 Stillman College on Thursday.
Stillman (20-2, 12-2) struck first on an inside shot before Zach Wrightsil responded for the Wolf Pack (13-8, 8-6) to tie the game at 2-2. The teams remained close through the opening minutes, but the Tigers jumped out in front on a 14-3 run to take a double-digit lead. Down 22-8 with 13 minutes left in the half, the Pack would not be put away easily as they began a run of their own. Loyola cut the deficit to just two points by the six-minute mark of the period, trailing just 28-26. Stillman regained control, however, extending their lead back to 42-33 by halftime.
The Tigers steadily increased their lead in the second half, going up 73-60 by the midway point of the period. The Wolf Pack then went on a 14-3 run, cutting the deficit to three points at 77-74 with six minutes to play. Down 90-88 with a little over one minute left, Loyola took its first lead of the game as Tre'Von Jasmine knocked down a three pointer.
In the final minute of play, Stillman retook the lead on free throws, but a Terry Smith Jr. tip-in would give the Pack a 93-92 lead with just 20 seconds remaining. The Wolf Pack got a stop on the next possession, but the Tigers went ahead once again with a steal and completion of an and-one, ending the game at 95-93 in favor of the home team after forcing another turnover.
Loyola's five-game road trip continues on Saturday, February 2, when the Pack take on the University of Mobile on the road at 4 p.m.
Wolf Pack Head Coach Stacy Hollowell
"I'm proud of the effort our guys gave tonight in a tough environment against one of the best teams in the country. We were down for 39 minutes and our guys kept their composure and made tough plays to keep us in the game. We eventually took the lead, but unfortunately at the end Stillman was able to come up with a big play to win it. We will watch video tomorrow as a team and grow from this game."
Pack Facts
Loyola shot 65.7% in the second half today and 48.1% for the game.
The Pack have now scored 60 points or more in the second half in three consecutive games.
Zach Wrightsil registered his 10th double-double of the season, tying him for the most in the SSAC, with 27 points and 11 rebounds.
Myles Burns scored 18 while grabbing a game-best 12 boards for his eighth double-double this year and third in the past four games.
The freshman guard added three steals, giving him 54 on the season and pushing his average to 2.57 per game.
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.
