Petruska Helps Loyola Get First WCC Win

Richard Petruska’s 29 points and 14 rebounds led Loyola Marymount to a 118-90 victory over the University of San Francisco at Memorial Gymnasium Saturday night.

In scoring their first conference victory of the season, the Lions used Petruska’s superior height and strength to mount a fast-break and inside attack that turned a 22-21 game after the first 7:30 into a 69-43 halftime lead.

Petruska scored 18 points on eight-of-nine shooting as the Lions (7-13 overall, 1-5 WCC) shot 70% from the field in the first half. Terrell Lowery added 20 points for Loyola.

“We played tonight better than we had to play and we got out of the gate very quickly,” Loyola Coach Jay Hillock said. “Terrell Lowery and Richard Petruska played up to their abilities tonight and we’re going to need that kind of effort from those two players if we’re going to get back into this thing (the WCC race).”

With the Dons’ (10-10, 3-4) Darryl Johnson injured, the 6-10 Petruska was able to dominate inside.

During the second half, Loyola’s shooting cooled off, but the Dons were never able to mount a comeback.

Petruska left with 5:46 remaining and Loyola ahead, 98-73.