Pilots Rally For Victory Over Loyola
February 12, 2009
Shreveport, La. - LSUS twice rallied from 11 point deficits to pick up a hard earned conference victory over Loyola, 99-91, on Thursday night at The Dock.
Trailing by 11 with 14 minutes remaining in the contest, LSUS slowly chipped away at the Loyola lead and eventually tied the contest at 70-70 with just under 10 minutes left in the game.
The Pilots took their first lead since the first minute of the game with 5:38 on the second half clock on a made field goal by freshman Derrick Parker and would never trail again in the contest.
A made basket by Tyrone Hamilton and a huge three-pointer from the top of the key by Chris Gatlin extended the LSUS lead to six points with just two minutes remaining, and the Pilots used a stingy defense and free throws to hang on for the victory.
The Pilots, who continually gave up easy baskets throughout the majority of the contest, made the defensive stops when it mattered most.
LSUS staved off incredible offensive performances by Loyola guards Ryan Brock, Sean Bennett and Torry Beaulieu. Brock and Bennett scored a game-high 27 points, while Beaulieu added 21.
The Pilots were led by Mike Pilgrim's 26 points. Parker finished with 19 points and 8 rebounds, while Gatlin (13), John Anthony Anglin (13), Hamilton (11) and Clarke Jackson (10) also finished in double figures.
With the win, LSUS remains one game out of first place in the GCAC standings behind Tougaloo, while Loyola sits two games back.
LSUS (16-9, 9-4) will face William Carey University on Saturday night at 7:00 p.m at The Dock.
