Although both of its losses have come against highly ranked teams, the ‘Pack’s schedule will only get harder in the coming weeks before conference play.
In Montgomery, Ala., Thursday the Wolfpack trailed Faulkner, ranked twelfth in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, by three points with two minutes and 40 seconds remaining.
Faulkner then went on an 8-0 run to secure an 83-77 victory in its first game of the season.
“It was anyone’s game in the last minute and 30 seconds,” coach Jerry Hernandez said. “We thought we could win, but we were outplayed, and it’s tough to win on the road.”
Last year, Loyola defeated the Eagles 62-61 in the Den.
Business sophomore James Bunn scored a game-high 23 points, 14 of which came in the second half.
English writing senior Jonathan Hernandez scored 19 points.
“It’s a different look – last year we depended on Chad Barnes too much,” Hernandez said. “Zach Tyson (management junior) was also four of five from the field, and we shot 56 percent [as a team].”
James Olivard, marketing sophomore, added 15 points.
“We have a really good tandem at the post,” Hernandez said. “(Economics senior) Mike Senna can score as well, but (Olivard) has a more offensive mindset.”
The ‘Pack then traveled to Pensacola Christian College, which plays in the National Christian College Athletic Association. Last year at the Den, the Wolfpack won 70-69.
With 11 seconds left in this year’s contest, Loyola led by only two points when Hernandez hit two free throws to help put the game away. Hernandez shot seven of eight from the line.
“They (Pensacola Christian) are a lot better than people think,” coach Hernandez said. “They have an outstanding facility, and well over 2,000 fans were at the game.”
Hernandez and finance junior Daniel Schmidt each scored 14 points. Schmidt did so by making five of six shots from the field and hitting both of his three-point attempts.
Aside from Schmidt, Loyola “didn’t shoot the ball very well,” according to Hernandez.
Tyson and Olivard each added 10 points. Tyson led the game with nine rebounds.
For the season, the ‘Pack has shot a respectable 47 percent, “which is unusual,” Hernandez said.
The Wolfpack will compete in Mississippi College’s Farm Bureau Classic in Clinton, Miss., before playing seven of the best programs in Louisiana on the road.
Loyola is scheduled to open the Classic with Louisiana College today; the ‘Pack plays the host team tomorrow.
Louisiana College, which competes in NCAA Division III, finished 13-11 last season and opens against the Wolfpack.
Mississippi College, also in Division III, finished 20-8 last year and plays its first game of the year Friday.
