Men’s Basketball Tops Loyola Maryland

Columbia, Mo. – The Missouri men’s basketball team won its second-straight game over the holiday break, defeating Loyola Maryland, 78-70, at Mizzou Arena on Saturday. With the win, the Tigers improve to 5-2, while the Greyhounds fall to 1-5.

Graduate Noah Carter led the Tigers with 18 points and six rebounds in the winning effort. Classmates Sean East II and Nick Honor chipped in 17 and 13 points, respectively, with freshman Anthony Robinson II adding 10 points and a career-best five steals.

The Tigers jumped out to an early advantage thanks to a strong and aggressive effort on the defensive side. Mizzou earned a 31-9 advantage on the heels of a 17-3 edge in points off turnovers, finishing off the stretch with an 18-0 run that featured six Loyola miscues.

The Greyhounds, however, pulled within striking distance thanks to a 17-0 run of its own as the schools headed into the intermission with Mizzou in front, 35-31.

In a close second 20 minutes of action, the Tigers never trailed following the break. Loyola pulled as close as two points, 47-45, with 12:53 remaining but Mizzou gained some breathing room with a 12-1 run for a 59-46 lead. The Greyhounds would not be closer than eight the remainder of the game as Mizzou secured its fifth victory of the season, 78-70.

The Tigers shot 44.8 percent in the win with an 11-of-28 performance from beyond the arc. Mizzou also forced Loyola into 18 turnovers, outscoring the visitors, 28-7, in points off turnovers.

UP NEXT
The Tigers hit the road for the SEC/ACC Challenge, squaring off with Pittsburgh on Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m.