Three of Loyola College's top four scorers -- B. J. Pendleton, David Credle and Julian Tate -- found themselves on the bench at the start of yesterday's Metro Atlantic Conference game with Niagara at Reitz Arena.
"They broke some team rules," first-year head coach Brian Ellerbe said. "But by sitting them down, other guys got to play more minutes and everyone contributed."
That is precisely what happened as the Greyhounds (8-15, 4-7) put together back-to-back victories for the first time this season by whipping Niagara, 78-68, before a crowd of 590.
Junior forward Matt Walker, making only his eighth start of the season, scored a career-high 17 points, and Teron Owens, the junior guard from Catonsville, played 39 minutes and contributed 12 points and four assists.
But it was the strong low post play of Pendleton and Credle in the second half that triggered the Greyhounds' comeback from a 36-32 halftime deficit.
In the first half, the two seniors combined for only two points, a layup by Credle. But in the second half, Pendleton scored 12 points and Credle 11 as they used their height and muscle to establish strong position inside against undersized Niagara (4-23, 1-11).
One of the nagging problems the Greyhounds have experienced this season has been a letdown at the start of the second half. But they reversed that formula against the struggling Purple Eagles, who have lost 14 of their last 15 games.
A three-pointer by freshman Jeff O'Connor and a layup by Jermaine Young gave the visitors a 42-35 cushion. But in the next eight minutes, Loyola went on a 19-6 tear to gain a 54-48 advantage with 10:38 remaining. Pendleton and Credle accounted for 13 of the points.
"We were definitely looking to get the ball inside," said Walker. "Coach Ellerbe stressed that at halftime."
Said Ellerbe: "Our perimeter guys did a good job of getting our big men the ball. B. J. and Credle got the ball in situations where they could be effective."
Loyola seemed firmly in command, leading 67-56 with four minutes left. But five points by freshman guard Ronnell Felton trimmed the margin to 67-61.
The Greyhounds turned up their defensive intensity. After a layup by Owens, a steal by Matt Gabriel led to a baseline drive by Credle. Chris Watson (15 points, nine rebounds) answered with a basket. But Walker, whose all-out hustle proved contagious, wrapped it up by converting a fast-break layup.
"Coach Ellerbe got on me a couple of times for rushing shots," said Walker, "but I felt comfortable out there today. And our team seems to be getting things together in time for the [MAAC] tournament."
By winning, Loyola, which beat Iona by 14 points last Tuesday, replaced Siena in sixth place in the conference standings.
"We've got St. Peter's at home Tuesday and then two winnable games on the road against Siena and Fairfield," said Ellerbe. "It's up to our guys to show how much moving up in the standings means to them."
NIAGARA -- Watson 5-13 5-8 15, Beamer 0-2 0-0 0, Young 2-6 3-5 7, Felton 4-6 6-8 15, McClaire 2-3 0-0 5, O'Connor 5-9 1-3 14, Kelombo 1-3 0-0 3, Abdullah 3-7 0-0 7, Dubler 0-1 0-0 0, Kurcoba 1-2 0-0 2. Totals 23-52 15-24 68.
LOYOLA -- Walker 7-11 1-3 17, Owens 6-13 0-0 12, Wohl 1-4 2-4 4, Gabriel 1-7 1-2 3, McDonald 2-7 1-2 7, Williams 1-4 4-5 6, Credle 5-8 3-4 13, Pendleton 4-6 4-6 12, Schaefer 0-0 0-0 0, Wallace 2-3 0-1 4. Totals 29-63 16-27 78.
Halftime--Niagara, 36-32. 3-point goals--N 7-18 (O'Connor 3-6, Abdullah 1-2, Kelombo 1-2, McClaire 1-2, Felton 1-3, Watson 0-1, Beamer 0-2); L 4-21 (McDonal 2-6, Walker 2-6, Gabriel 0-3, Owens 0-3). Fouled out--Walker. Rebounds--N 35 (Watson 9); L 40 (Pendleton 8). Assists--N 5 (Felton, Watson 2); L 11 (Owens 4). Total fouls--N 23, L 18. A--590.