It’s not shocking, it’s more relief – and more importantly, a win.
Guard Luke Zumo, psychology junior, scored a career-high 30 points as Loyola wiped out city rival Southern University-New Orleans 79-57 to mark the first win of 2007.
Zumo’s effort tops his previous high of 29 against Arkansas-Monticello, but it was not about personal highs, it was about getting that mental block out of his head he referred to last week.
“I’ve never been more proud to be part of a team in my life. You don’t realize how special games like this are until you’ve been through the tough times, and its great to win against a team that’s tops in the conference.”
Zumo’s career high was part of a determined effort from the Wolfpack, who raced out to 8-0 opening run in the second half to open up a 10-point lead that would not be relinquished. Strong efforts came from finance junior Mario Faranda, who was one rebound away from posting a double-double with 19 points and nine rebounds, and history sophomore Torry Beaulieu with 12 points.
Loyola’s scrappy play and execution was as crisp as it had been all year. In the second half Loyola shoot 64 percent to Southern New Orleans’ 37 percent. The perimeter defense was solid as well, holding the Knights to 19 percent from the arc. It was the grit and determination that the Wolfpack showed all year that finally reward the ‘Pack with a victory over a team that was tied for first in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference prior to Monday night.
After a tough loss Saturday night to Spring Hill, in which they lost by two, coach Michael Giorlando was very proud of the team’s effort.
“It’s a nice win to have and we’re excited. It was a total team effort. The defense was huge, forcing their big men to shoot outside their range and stopping penetration. We felt we had turned the corner after the close loss to Spring Hill, and we hope that we will continue this into the next game.”
The Wolfpack will try to win their second conference game when they take the court against Dillard on Feb. 3 at 5 p.m.
Zumo hopes that the team’s intensity continues to grow over the rest of the season.
“As a team it’s a relief to get our first win, but our intensity and focus won’t change. Tonight was a complete team effort.”
Harold R. Kuntz III can be reached at [email protected].
