Five players scored 10 or more points as Loyola defeated American 72-69 in a thrilling finish on Feb. 7.

Guard Isaiah Hart ’21 and forward Brent Holcombe ’21 led the offense as they scored 17 points each. Holcombe tallied a career-high nine rebounds. Guards Andre Walker ’18 and Chuck Champion ’20 chipped in 12 points each as well. Forward Cam Gregory ’18 added in 10 points to go along with his five rebounds.

Defense played a key factor, as both sides were slow to score over the course of the game. Active hands and defensive awareness by the Greyhounds allowed them to maintain a small lead throughout the game.

With three minutes left in the fourth, the Greyhounds led by 10 points. Two 3-pointers by American guards Chiekh Diallo ’19 and Stacy Beckton Jr. ’21 pulled the Eagles within one point with 49.6 seconds remaining. Diallo finished the game with six points, and Beckton finished with 11. Guard Sa’eed Nelson ’20 scored a game-high 31 points, as he reached to the lane and free-throw line with ease. He ended up shooting 11-18 from the line.

Loyola came out of the timeout with the ball in Gregory’s hands and 23.5 seconds on the clock. Faking right and turning left, Gregory dodged American’s defense and gave Loyola a three-point lead.

Defense again played a key role, as the Greyhounds knocked the ball out of bounds and defensively pressured the Eagles. Nelson was able to get a shot off as the clock expired, but it landed over the backboard, leading to a Loyola victory.

*Photo courtesy of Jay Mendez via loyolagreyhounds.com*