Last weekend the Loyola men’s basketball team split two games in the Xavier Classic at Xavier University in New Orleans. On Friday, the team lost to Evergreen, but it came back on Saturday to beat Arkansas Baptist.
The 57-45 loss on Friday evened the ‘Pack’s record at 1-1. Forward Zach Tyson, management senior, scored 13 points to lead Loyola. The only other Loyola player in double digits was guard Jonathan Dardar, general business junior, with 10 points. Forward Jon Creel, history junior, grabbed eight rebounds and scored five points.
The ‘Pack did not let the loss set them back. The team beat Arkansas Baptist 59-49 to improve its record to 2-1. Tyson led the ‘Pack with 18 points. He also grabbed 10 rebounds to complete a double-double. Freshman Luke Zumo helped Loyola’s cause with 12 points.
The ‘Pack headed into Tuesday night’s game against Wesley College seeking its third win in the first four games. The game was never really close. The ‘Pack jumped out to a 54-30 lead at halftime, and it went on to beat the overmatched and undersized Warriors 88-45.
Forward Carter Wurts, general business freshman, had his best game of the year with 18 points and 12 rebounds. He led a balanced Wolfpack attack that saw four players hit double digits. Guard Daniel Schmidt, finance junior, scored 17 points. Zumo and Ryan Kinsley, general studies sophomore, rounded out the double-digit scorers with 14 points each. Wesley College was led by Calvin White, who hit 8 3-pointers en route to scoring 27 of the Warriors’ 45 points.
With the win, the Wolfpack improved its record to 3-1. Though it has been several years since the ‘Pack started a season so well, head coach Michael Giorlando was quick to remove attention from his team’s record.
“We don’t look at stats or try to set records,” he said. “We try to teach the players how to improve and focus on being successful.”
Giorlando said he is not yet impressed with his players’ shot selection or the team’s handling of the ball.
“We’re shooting shots under pressure where an extra pass would make a difference to get a better shot,” he said.
But Giorlando said he is happy with his team’s defensive pressure and rebounding.
“So far I can say that we’re defending hard and trying to minimize second shots from our opponents,” he said.
He added that business junior James Bunn’s defensive effort has been strong and that he’s become a leader in that aspect.
Loyola has a full week before its next game. The team does not get that time off, however. According to Giorlando, the players are going to be getting ready for an upcoming week in which Loyola faces five games.
The ‘Pack’s next contest is at home against Arkansas Baptist at 2 p.m. next Friday.
“I am pleased with the crowd turnout,” Giorlando said. “I really hope more students come out and enjoy the games. It will make it harder for visitors to come out of here with a win.”
Ryan Saucier can be reached at [email protected].
