Loyola downs Troy at Western B tourney

The Western News

Loyola Sacred Heart pulled away in the second half for a 57-40 victory over Troy in the first round of the Western B boys basketball tournament on Wednesday at Pablo.

Loyola took a slim lead of 15-14 into the second period and led by a 23-17 count by the break. The Trojans managed just three points during the second. In the third, Loyola began to create some breathing room and took a 42-29 advantage into the final quarter.

The Trojans got 21 points from Aaron Palmer and 14 from Shado Garrett.

Zach Balcom scored 18 points while Cade Cross added 14 points and Caleb DeGroot netted 12 for the Rams.

With the loss, Troy was scheduled to play again on Thursday morning against district rival Thompson Falls.

Wednesday's Scores

Plains 62, Deer Lodge 41

Florence 60, Eureka 41

Loyola Sacred Heart 57, Troy 40

Seeley-Swan 54, Thompson Falls 50

Thursday's Games

9 a.m. – Deer Lodge (12-11) vs. Eureka (5-16), loser out

10:45 a.m. – Troy (13-8) vs. Thompson Falls (13-8), loser out

7:30 p.m. – Plains (20-1) vs. Florence (15-6), semifinal

9:15 p.m. – Loyola Sacred Heart (17-4) vs. Seeley-Swan (16-6), semifinal