Men’s basketball notch big win over Dillard University

Nate+Pierre%2C+Loyola+junior+guard%2C+blocks+a+shot+against+Dillard+University+in+the+Den+on+February+2%2C+2016.+The+Wolf+Pack+beat+no.+21+Dillard+University+82-65+thanks+to+a+stout+defense+and+double-digit+scoring+totals+by+Johnny+Griffin+Jr.%2C+Nick+Parker+and+TreVon+Jasmine.

Zach Brien

Nate Pierre, Loyola junior guard, blocks a shot against Dillard University in the Den on February 2, 2016. The Wolf Pack beat no. 21 Dillard University 82-65 thanks to a stout defense and double-digit scoring totals by Johnny Griffin Jr., Nick Parker and Tre’Von Jasmine.

Mark Robinson, Gameday Reporter

The Wolf Pack men’s basketball team hosted the Dillard Bleu Devils in a non-conference matchup on Feb. 2 in the Den. The team looked to bounce back from a disappointing loss on the road against Bethel University.

The Pack got off to a quick start early in the first half after a few empty trips. The team scored seven straight points in the first four minutes, after Dillard scored the games first five. Forward Jonny Griffin Jr. capped off the run with a reverse dunk on the fast break to ignite the Pack and the home crowd.

The team trailed 16-15 at the 13 minute mark of the first half, but guard Jalen Gray picked three quick fouls, which led to him taking a seat on the bench for the remainder of the first half. The Pack then went on a 10-0 run to take a nine point lead in the final minutes of the first half.

The Bleu Devils stayed in the game, as they went on to spark a 7-2 run to cut the lead to four. But the Pack would outscore Dillard 12-2 to take a 39-25 lead going into halftime.

After giving up the first three points to start the half, the Pack erupted to go on a 30-12 run and notch their largest lead of the game at 69-40. The team would go on to win it 82-65.

Both Jonny Griffin Jr. and Nick Parker recorded double-doubles in the win. Griffin notched 22 points and a game-high 12 rebounds, and Parker tallied 18 points and a career-high 11 rebounds. The Pack shot 48 percent from the field, including 9-of-19 from beyond the arc. They held Dillard to 41 percent shooting from the field and a just fifteen percent on three pointers.

With the upset of Dillard University, the team improves to 10-10 overall but still have a 5-7 record in conference. The team will look to keep pace in the SSAC, as they currently sit at ninth in their respective conference. The Pack will return to conference play, when they host the University of Mobile on Saturday, Feb. 6.