Box Score After a second-half surge the Wolf Pack were narrowly outdone by the Crusaders 93-86
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – On the road in a tough environment, the Loyola University New Orleans men's basketball team fell in a close one with 13th-ranked William Carey Monday night in the Clinton Gymnasium.
The home team began the night with a quick lead, eventually climbing out 24-13 over midway through the first half. The Wolf Pack (15-10, 10-8) began to inch their way back in, with a three-pointer from Terry Smith Jr. and score from Tre'Von Jasmine making it a five-point game with just over eight minutes left in the period.
After a make from beyond the arc by Cameron Dumas set the score at 26-22, the Crusaders (19-7, 15-3) would step back out in front by eight, leading 47-39 at the half.
To open the second period of play, the Wolf Pack offense caught fire, thanks to three-point shooting and second-chance scores. A layup from Zach Wrightsil followed by back-to-back threes from Ethan Turner quickly tied the game at 47-all. Two straight scores down low from Myles Burns just moments later would give the Pack their first lead of the game at 51-49.
While Loyola would go out in front by as much as 10 midway through the second half, William Carey slowly fought their way back in it, retaking the lead with just over two minutes left and holding on for the 93-86 victory.
The Pack return home for their final two games in The Den this season, hosting Bethel on Thursday, February 14 at 7:30 p.m. for their homecoming game.
Wolf Pack Head Coach Stacy Hollowell
"We started the game very stagnant on offense, and had a number of turnovers and empty possessions. William Carey got out in transition and scored too easily. In the second half we started well, created some turnovers and transition opportunities, and defended the paint well and were able to build a lead. But late defensive breakdowns were crucial, and they hit some big shots. What Steve Knight has done with his team has been unbelievable. They have sustained injury after injury and his teams have played with poise, toughness and confidence through it all. Tonight they showed a lot of heart."
Pack Facts
With a pair of steals today, Myles Burns set the school record for most steals in a season with 65.
The freshman scored 22 points with 10 rebounds, six of them offensive boards, for his 11th double-double on the year.
Burns also slid up to eighth place for most rebounds in a single season at Loyola, now with 224 this year.
Zach Wrightsil moved up three spots on the program's top-20 single season scorers and now sits in 17th with 486 points.
Ethan turner has now made a three-pointer in 11 straight games, and is 30-67 (45%) over that span.
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.
