LEWISBURG, Pa. – Bucknell University forced 13 second-half turnovers by Loyola University Maryland and held the Greyhounds to 31.8 percent from the field on Wednesday night as the Bison turned a 33-31 halftime advantage into a 67-52 Patriot League victory at Sojka Pavilion.
Bucknell took a two-point lead less than two seconds before halftime on a Noah Williamson basket, and the Bison extended their advantage to double digits just over four minutes into the second half on a Josh Adoh three with 15:43 left in regulation.
Loyola battled to pull back within six, 45-39, on a
Golden Dike dunk just over four minutes later, but Jack Forrest converted a four-point play at 11:07 with a 3-pointer and free throw after drawing a foul.
Elvin Edmonds IV made it a 51-39 Bucknell lead with a layup at 10:52, but a three by
D'Angelo Stines and a
Garrett Brennan layup made it a seven-point gap at 8:59.
The Greyhounds would twice trim the deficit to six – once on a traditional 3-point play by
Deon Perry and alter with two
Golden Dike free throws – but Loyola could draw no closer.
Perry led Loyola with 22 points and five assists, while
Alonso Faure added his second double-double of the season with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Williamson had a game-high 28 points for Bucknell, while Forrest added 14 for the Bison.
Loyola will be back in Reitz Arena on Saturday, February 3, when it hosts College of the Holy Cross in a 5 p.m. game.
