Not much has changed since coach Michael Giorlando’s Wolfpack started their conference slate five games ago.
Guard Luke Zumo, psychology junior, continues to score at a potent clip – his 20 points in Loyola’s (3-12, 0-5 GCAC) 76-64 loss to Dillard University was the 13th game in a row he’s eclipsed the double-figure barrier.
But the Wolfpack still remains mired in a six-game losing streak, winless and dead last in the GCAC.
“It’s frustrating to not get a win when you put in so much work and put your heart into something,” said forward Bear Wurts, general business junior, who scored well off the bench for the Wolfpack but fouled out with 5:02 left in regulation.
“I don’t think anything’s misfiring, there’s no one problem that’s standing out. It’s just different things happen to different teams,” he added. “We just have to learn how to counter the runs the other teams have had.”
Once again, a pair of stretches in the second half help shoot the Blue Devils to a lead the Wolfpack couldn’t overcome.
After a basket from general business freshman Nick Tuszynski had Loyola within a basket at 45-43, Dillard shot ahead to a 53-45 lead within four possessions behind the play of David Manning and Corey Williams (17 points each).
After finance junior Mario Faranda (hindered by foul trouble early in the first and second halves) fouled out with 8:01 left in the game, Dillard eventually enlarged that lead to 70-60 employing explosive plays like a fast-break alley-oop authored by Manning that demoralized Giorlando’s men but electrified the Blue Devils’ backers.
“We were stretching our defense to force some turnovers and left some guys open,” Giorlando said to explain the run. “Give them credit. They hit some huge threes.
“It’s just one of those things. The basketball teams haven’t been kind to us.”
Dillard stormed the court with an aggressive disposition, employing a full-court defense that helped them build a 13-4 lead early.
But overly aggressive, they got themselves into foul trouble and were unable to stop Zumo and guard Torry Beaulieu’s (history sophomore) penetrations to the basket.
Via 22 free throws in the first half, Loyola generated a manageable 33-31 deficit by halftime.
Dillard eased up on their pressure, falling into a half-court zone that curbed Loyola’s scoring enough to secure them their second conference win.
“They got off their press mode and sped the game up. They took the lead and controlled the tempo again,” Giorlando said.
UP NEXT: The Wolfpack faces Tougaloo College on Jan. 20. Tip-off for 7 p.m.
Ramon Vargas can be reached at [email protected].
