For the second game in a row, five men’s basketball players scored in double figures to lead the Greyhounds to a nail-biting 81-77 victory over Army West Point on Wednesday night. After an exciting Senior Night win over Colgate on Sunday, the Greyhounds now stand at 6-9 in the Patriot League and 14-14 overall. 

Andrew Kostecka ‘20 led the team with 17 points, while Isaiah Hart ‘21 added 15 points and four assists. First-year sensation Santi Aldama ‘23 tallied 13 points along with two blocks. He is averaging over 12 points per game so far in his collegiate career.

KaVaughn Scott ‘20 also recorded his second double-double in the last three games with 12 points and a career-high 12 rebounds. 

With 9:05 left in regulation, Tommy Funk hit a 3-pointer to give Army West Point (13-13 overall, 8-7 Patriot League) a nine-point advantage over the Greyhounds.

Yet, over the next three minutes, Loyola held their opponent scoreless to gain a 68-66 lead. 

During the 12-0 run, Kostecka and Aldama both hit threes, while Cam Spencer ‘23 added six crucial points. 

Over the next five minutes, the lead changed hands five more times. 

After two free throws put Army up 75-73 with 45 seconds remaining, the Greyhounds drew up an inbound play to find Spencer for a clutch 3-pointer. He scored all 11 of his points in the second half, with nine of them coming in the final eight minutes of the game. 

On their next possession, Army reclaimed the lead with 23 ticks left on the clock. Despite missing the ensuing jumper, Hart drew a foul and drained both free throws to flip the advantage back to Loyola.

With 14 seconds left, Funk drove to the left baseline and missed a contested shot. Scott grabbed the rebound and was fouled. The hectic few seconds resulted in a technical foul against West Point’s bench.

Kostecka nailed both free throws, and Scott added two more to seal the win for Loyola.

After losing eight of their nine competitions to start the new year, the Greyhounds have won five out of six in February. With three games remaining on the regular season schedule, the team hopes to finish with a .500 record in the Patriot League and head into the league tournament with a wave of momentum. 

The Greyhounds look to continue their recent conference success as they visit Lafayette this Sunday afternoon. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. 

Featured Image Courtesy of Loyola Athletics.