The Wolfpack suffered a first-round loss in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference tournament, falling 61-54 to Tougaloo, March 1 at Dillard.
The ‘Pack kept the game close in the first half but entered halftime down 34-28. The team found new life at the start of the second half, opening with a 12-1 run that put Loyola ahead by five points.
Tougaloo fought back with a run of its own, converting eight straight points and leaving the ‘Pack down by three. Finance senior Daniel Schmidt evened the score at 43 with a 3-pointer, but that was as close as the ‘Pack would get.
Tougaloo’s defense clamped down and only allowed Loyola two points during the next five minutes. During that time, Tougaloo scored 13 points and ran its lead to 56-45.
The deficit proved insurmountable for the Wolfpack, eliminating the men’s team from tournament play.
“They didn’t play like an eight seed,” said Zack Tyson, marketing senior. “We didn’t lose to a cupcake by any means.”
Tyson commended Tougaloo’s effort but said Loyola’s failure to execute was the primary reason for the loss. Still, he considered it a well-played game and praised the ‘Pack’s ability to play together.
“We win as a team, and we lose as a team,” Tyson said.
James Olivard led the ‘Pack with 22 points and grabbed six rebounds. Tyson added 10 points and blocked two shots. Schimdt rounded out the Wolfpack’s double-digit scorers with 15 points. General studies freshman Luke Zumo had a strong defensive game, finishing with four steals.
Tougaloo guard Marquis Lowe led the Bulldogs with 22 points and had six assists. Dennis Holder, the team’s leading scorer this season, added to his average with 15 points and six boards.
The loss concludes the Wolfpack basketball season, leaving the team at 11-20. It also signaled the last game in a Loyola uniform for Schmidt, Tyson and Olivard. All three made significant contributions this season and provided needed senior leadership.
“Losing three starters that were major offensive contributors, we need to find guys who can step up,” Coach Michael Giorlando said.
Tyson scored his 1,000th point at Loyola this year and was selected as a GCAC Player of the Month. He was also named to the All-GCAC team and has finished his career as the 18th leading scorer in school history.
Giorlando praised Tyson’s achievement, saying it was a “good way for him to finish his career.” Tyson was more modest.
“It’s a great accomplishment, but I wasn’t focused on that. I was focused on winning games,” he said.
The 6-foot-7 forward talked about the importance of playing unselfish team ball, which he feels the ‘Pack has done all year long. He said that he’d miss playing at The Den in front of his friends and family.
“The four years flew by. I had a lot of fun and don’t regret any of it. I wouldn’t have done it any differently.”
Chris Liuzza can be reached at [email protected].
