The Loyola men’s basketball team gained their first two wins in Southern States Athletic Conference play, defeating Brewton-Parker College on Thursday, Dec.1 and the College of Coastal Georgia on Saturday, Dec. 3.

On Thursday, the Wolf Pack claimed the 85-59 win thanks to senior Johnny Griffin Jr.’s double-double and the team’s 52 percent shooting from the floor.

The first half proved to be close as both teams exchanged points with the Barons taking the tight 41-40 lead heading into the half.

Loyola took over in the second half as they went on a 27-6 run in the fourth to extend the lead to 20 points, and eventually grabbed the 85-59 victory.

On Saturday, Loyola pulled out a tight victory against the College of Coastal Georgia winning 66-64 to extend their win streak to six games.

In the first half, the Wolf Pack and Mariners traded shots but Loyola was able to go into the half with the 35-32 lead.

The second half proved just as close as the Wolf Pack would go up by nine points with a score of 55-46, but with 3:39 remaining, the Mariners cut the lead to two points to make it 59-57.

With only 14 seconds left, senior guard, Jalen Gray went to the line and went 1-2 on his free throws to give Loyola the two-point 66-64 lead.

As time expired, the Mariners missed a shot and Loyola was able to secure the 66-64 victory.

Junior guard, Nick Parker led Loyola with 16 points and five steals while senior forward, Nick Pierre helped with 14 points and give rebounds in the win.

Loyola improves to 8-2 overall and 2-0 in SSAC play with the victory.

The Wolf Pack will next travel to the University of Louisiana-Lafayette on Dec. 7 to take on the Ragin’ Cajuns.