Loyola Picks Up Pace for 140-110 Victory

Coach Jay Hillock wants the run-and-gun Lions to play an even faster style this season because they lack height.

It worked well Friday night when Loyola blew open a close game in a matter of minutes and went on to defeat Morgan State, 140-110, in the first round of the L.A. Classic at Gersten Pavilion.

The Lions (1-0) will play Washington State (1-0), a 104-62 winner over Central Connecticut State, in the championship game at 8 tonight.

After playing a sluggish first half, Loyola opened the second half with a 25-8 spurt in a span of 5 minutes 14 seconds to extend a one-point halftime lead to 88-70. The Lions pressured Morgan State (0-1) into several turnovers during the run, resulting in easy baskets. Morgan State finished with 33 turnovers.

“We are playing faster than last year because we don’t have a 6-10 center,” said Hillock, referring to Richard Petruska, who transferred to UCLA after leading Loyola in rebounding and ranking second in scoring last season. “We have a bunch of guys who are close in ability. With a fast tempo, we can use all of our bodies.”

Hillock substituted freely. Thirteen players scored for Loyola, including seven in double figures.

Senior guard Terrell Lowery, shaking off a poor first half, led the Lions with game-high totals of 30 points and 10 assists. He scored 11 points during Loyola’s spurt to open the second half, three baskets coming on layups. Junior forward Brian McCloskey scored eight of his 14 points during that run, including two dunks.

Loyola got impressive games from two freshman reserves. Forward Robin Kirksey scored 16 points on six-of-nine shooting and forward Wyking Jones added 10 points and nine rebounds.

Hillock was also pleased with forward Chris Knight, who had 12 points and a game-high 13 rebounds. The coach said it was the senior’s “best game ever.”

Loyola was less than impressive in the first half, making only 22 of 52 field goals (42%) and committing 14 turnovers. The Lions shot 32 of 55 in the second half to finish at 50%.

Hillock said Morgan State appeared to tire in the second half, but Bear Coach Michael Holmes said inexperience was his team’s main problem. Morgan State started three freshmen.