Loyola’s men’s basketball team fell to the Tulane Green Wave 69-57 in the Battle of Freret Street.
The loss extends Tulane’s winning streak in the annual meeting of the two teams. The 12-point margin is a step back from last year’s 2-point defeat in the exhibition.
Biology sophomore Kyle Simmons led Loyola (5-3) with 15 points, including a 3-8 shooting night from three point range. Kendall Timmons paced Tulane (5-2) with 18 points.
The Green Wave raced out to a 7-0 start before a layup by business junior Robert Lovaglio put Loyola on the board. Tulane then extended its lead with additional runs, leading by 23 at one point. A Simmons three pointer put the score at 41-22 entering halftime.
However, the Wolf Pack stepped it up the second half, scoring 35 points and cutting into Tulane’s lead. Head Coach Michael Giorlando attributed the improved second half to a more comfortable team.
“We settled down. We got a young team, one senior, and we have some young guys trying to press a little too much,” Giorlando said. “Kyle settled down and was able to knock down some shots.”
International business junior Manuel Gandara came in off the bench to provide energy and defense for Loyola. Gandara chalked up the second half to toughness and better play.
“Further down the stretch we were able to step up our game and be more physical, but we had dug ourselves a hole that was too deep to climb out of,” Gandara said.
Loyola had a tough time on the boards against Tulane. Tulane out-rebounded the Wolf Pack 47-29 on the night, including 21 offensive rebounds for the Green Wave. Giorlando made no excuses for the disparity in rebounding.
“You’d love to say it’s size, but that’s a cop out. It’s just toughness,” Giorlando said. “Rebounding is 99 percent attitude and we were able to change that in the second half.”
Lovaglio, Loyola’s leading scorer this season, battled for a tough 14 points and 3 assists. Gandara was surprised that Lovaglio did not get more calls when driving to the rim. Giorlando also noted that Lovaglio did not attempt any free throws.
“That may be the first game in 3 years that he hasn’t shot a free throw. Those are 14 hard-earned points out of 57,” Giorlando said.
Giorlando said he was pleased by the turnout for the game, saying the fans from both sides were awesome. Business Management Eric Jurgeson provided a loud presence from the stands at his first Loyola basketball game.
“It’s not that I care or not more than other fans. I just like being loud,” Jurgeson said.
After the tough loss, Loyola’s men’s team returns to conference play. Next on the schedule, the Wolf Pack will face two NAIA-ranked teams in Lee University and Southern Polytechnic State.
Karl Gommel can be reached at [email protected]
Steve Davis (SAM WINSTROM/THE MAROON)
Robert Lobaglio (SAM WINSTROM/THE MAROON)
