EASTON, Pa. - Lafayette was bested by Loyola Maryland in Wednesday's Patriot League matchup, 68-54, due to cold shooting early in the first half in Kirby Sports Center.

Andrew Phillips was the main option throughout the evening, posting his second double-double of the year on 19 points and a career-high 11 rebounds. Freshman forward Shareef Jackson, who averages 10 points per game and has 24 starts, did not take to the court due to illness.

The initial period opened with quick play on both sides, as Loyola took the lead, 19-14 by 14:22. Lafayette's Phillips posted nine points, while the Greyhounds hit 7-of-11 from the floor.

At 10-minute mark, the opponents pushed out to a 26-17 lead using a 3-pointer from Emmett Adair.

The Leopards fought to take a 10-9 edge over the following six minutes, splitting the process between six scorers. Adair added five more points by 3:49 to help Loyola to a 35-25, advantage.

Loyola's Troy Cicero sent one last shot from beyond the arc (0:41) to cap the half on top, 40-29.

By 15:31 of the second half, the Maroon and White steadied themselves using a 12-7 stretch. Phillips secured eight points in that time to get as close as six, trailing 47-41, as the sole Leopard in double figures (19).

The Greyhounds resumed their offensive barrage through the next two minutes, extending to a 56-45 advantage with a pair of long-range buckets at the 11-minute mark.

Loyola kept out of reach, 66-50, past 3:46 with a 10-5 run, fueled by Adair's six points including two free throws.

Adair led Loyola with 26 points, shooting 10-of-16 to go with nine rebounds. Overall, the squad netted 44 percent from the floor.

Next up, the Leopards host Lehigh on Saturday at 5 p.m. The Rivalry showdown will serve as Alumni Day in addition to a doubleheader with Lafayette women's basketball at 2 p.m.


For the latest on the Lafayette College men's basketball program, follow the Leopards on Twitter @LafayetteMBB and Instagram @lafayettembb.