The 29th ranked Loyola University New Orleans took on the number four ranked William Penn University tonight in the first round of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics national tournament.

William Penn from Oskaloosa, Iowa was the top dog in tonight’s match up, leading the nation in scoring and rebounding.

The teams exchanged baskets throughout the first half and made it difficult for one team to pull away. Despite a lack of size and depth on the bench, Loyola only trailed by as much as eight going into the second half, 42-36.

The Statesmen came out shooting the ball well in the second half and immediately outscored the Wolf Pack to put them up 59-40.

“They hit big shots right off the bat in the 2nd half, and the shots they missed they were able to clean up,” said head coach, Stacy Hollowell.

Senior point guard, Jalen Gray led the way for his team, scoring 12 points in the first half, and finishing the game with 20.

“They had a lot of experienced players so I think that definitely helped them but we gave everything we had with the group of guys that were able to play tonight,” Gray said.

The push tempo game took a toll on the Wolf Pack who finished the game with 21 turnovers, 13 coming in the second half.

Torren Jones and Johnny Griffin Jr. both who average double-doubles, met each other at the rim several times tonight as they battled for rebounds. Jones had a double-double in the first half of play, and pulled down a total of 21 rebounds.

William Penn continued to extend their lead through the second half, leading by 28 points to end the game, 100-78.

Loyola will return to New Orleans, finishing the season 22-10 overall.