WASHINGTON, D.C. – American University used a 25-14 run over seven minutes, 59 seconds in the first half to turn a 10-6 Loyola University into a 31-24 Eagles advantage with 8:11 to go in the opening period.
American (8-6 overall, 1-0 Patriot League) would not trail again in the game and went on to an 84-69 win in the conference opener for both teams.
Jacob Theodosiou converted in the paint for Loyola at 16:10 to give the Greyhounds a four-point lead, but the run by the Eagles was spurred by hot shooting. American made 16 of its last 22 field-goal attempts (72.7 percent) after that 10-6 Loyola lead, building a 44-36 advantage at halftime.
Wyatt Nausadis and Geoff Sprouse scored with a three and a two in the first two minutes of the second half to push the Eagles' advantage to double digits where it would stay the remainder of the game.
Braeden Speed made a career-high 11 of 12 from the free-throw line and scored a team-best 13 for Loyola (4-10, 0-1) to go with three assists.
Emmett Adair and Theodosiou each had 11, and
Troy Cicero Jr. scored 10.
Loyola had a 32-23 advantage on the boards, but the Greyhounds committed 19 turnovers in the game.
Greg Jones scored 17 points, and Madden Collins added 15, to lead American.
Loyola will open its hope Patriot League schedule on Saturday, January 3, with a 5 o'clock game in Reitz Arena against Lafayette College.
