Bucknell beats Loyola (Md.) 76-63, now leads Patriot League

Jan 18, 2017, 09:17 pm

LEWISBURG, Pa. -- Zach Thomas scored 18 points and hauled down 11 rebounds for his third double-double of the season and Bucknell defeated Loyola (Maryland) 76-63 on Wednesday night to climb atop the Patriot League lead standings.

Bucknell (14-6) entered in a tie with Boston University, but the Terriers lost a second straight game -- they were beaten by Loyola Monday -- and Bucknell now leads the Patriot League at 6-1. Loyola (9-9, 3-4) has wins over Lehigh and Boston U., the preseason favorites.

All the Bucknell starters scored at least nine points; Stephen Brown had 13, Nate Foulland and Kimbal Mackenzie 11 each. Foulland broke past 1,000 career points. Avi Toomer scored 9 as Bucknell made 18 of its first 25 shots (72 percent).

KaVaughn Scott led Loyola with 12 points. Loyola's guard combo of Jarred Jones and Andre Walker, who average 32.1 ppg, were held to a combined eight points on 3-for-21 shooting.