Another “mission” accomplished for Loyola boys’ basketball

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It was a struggle to the bitter end in the Mission League, but the Loyola boys’ basketball team won its final five games to top the standings for the seventh time in eight seasons. What were the key ingredients in the Cubs’ championship recipe?

Start with strong finishes, especially down the stretch. Loyola outscored its last five opponents by an average of seven points in the second half and the margin was even greater in the fourth quarter. The Cubs’ ability to wear down opponents late in games should prove a valuable asset in the playoffs.

Add a pinch of Hollis Thompson, the junior guard bound for Georgetown. He has an ability to play his best in the biggest games. An example was his 33 point-effort in last Friday’s 80-76 victory over Harvard-Westlake that moved the Cubs into first place. And let’s not forget his 21 points in Loyola’s title-clinching victory Wednesday at Chaminade.

Last but not least, a sprinkling of home cooking provided a fresh flavor to the Cubs’ season. One reason they finished a disappointing sixth last year was a dismal 2-5 home record. They turned that around this winter, going 7-0 in their own gym.

It remains to be seen whether these resilient Cubs have enough firepower to advance deep into the Division I-AA playoffs, but with another league prize in the trophy case they’re ready to start stirring the pot.

-- Steve Galluzzo

-- Image from acclaimimages.com