ARBUTUS, Md. – A
Deon Perry three from the top of the perimeter with 8:46 left in the first half cut Sacred Heart University's lead to 24-20, but the Pioneers finished the first half on a 13-3 run and went on to a 66-51 non-conference victory at the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena.
Two free throws by both Tanner Thomas and Kyle McGee started the run for the Pioneers (3-2 overall), but a
Milos Ilic layup at 7:05 got Loyola (1-3) back within six, 28-22.
Nico Galette had back-to-back baskets for the Pioneers, and then after the under-four media timeout, Thomas made a three, and the Preseason Northeast Conference favorites led by 13.
Raheem Solomon converted for Sacred Heart in the paint just before halftime, and the Pioneers led 37-22 at the break.
Ilic finished with a game-high 12 points, and he matched
Golden Dike for team-high honors with nine rebounds.
Chris Kuzemka scored nine, and Perry added eight points.
Thomas led the Pioneers with a game-best 19 points.
Loyola will be back in action on Sunday, November 19, with a 1 p.m. game at UMBC.
