The Loyola men’s basketball team hit the road and ran into a brick wall, losing two games over the weekend in Jackson, Tenn.
Friday night, the ‘Pack played Lambuth, which was not ranked but did receive votes for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Top 25.
“We out-rebounded them, shot a higher percentage from the field, from the line, and of three-point shots,” Head Coach Jerry Hernandez said.
In the 82-74 loss, the Wolfpack was 48 percent from the field, 40 percent from three-point distance, and 93 percent from the line. The ‘Pack also had 19 turnovers to the Eagles’ 6. Furthermore, they made fewer shots.
“That was the story of that game,” said Hernandez.
Chad Barnes, management sophomore, and James Olivard, marketing freshman, scored 15 points each to lead the team. Barnes made four field goals in seven attempts and led the game with 10 rebounds.
“We turned the ball over too much to win,” Olivard said. “We’re always coming up short with little things. They are a decent team, but you have to put them away.”
Jonathan Hernandez, English writing junior, added seven rebounds and five assists.
“Chad Barnes shot well [Friday] but not Saturday, and Jonathan Hernandez shot poorly Friday but did well Saturday. I just don’t understand it,” Coach Hernandez said.
There were fewer positives to point to against ninth-ranked Union.”In order to beat a nationally ranked team, you have to do every little thing,” Olivard said.
The team shooting percentages plummeted: 33 percent of field goals attempted, 23 percent of three-pointers and 46 percent of free throws landed in the net.
Turnovers were again a problem, although Loyola seemed to force a lot more. Once again, the ‘Pack shot better in the second half.
“It was a very physical game. They’re just a really good team, and you can’t beat anybody shooting like that,” Coach Hernandez said.
Jonathan Hernandez scored 15 points, going five for ten from the field, including three three-pointers. He added five rebounds.
Barnes had a game-leading eight rebounds. Matt Truax, general business sophomore, scored eight points and grabbed five rebounds.
Coach Hernandez pointed out the importance of the next two home games. The first is against Faulkner, ranked third in the NAIA.
“Hopefully, we can get our shooting back,” he said.
The pre-conference schedule has been very difficult, accounting for the Wolfpack’s 0-5 start. The team is still confident it can do well this season.
“I think confidence on the team is high,” Olivard said. “If everybody works together, we think we can beat ranked teams and compete for conference.”
Coach Hernandez added that the Pensacola Christian game tomorrow should not be overlooked either, despite the Wolfpack’s easy win last season.
“[Last year’s game] was a fluke in many ways because we had 20 three-pointers. When you do that, you ought to win pretty easily,” Hernandez said.
