Box Score Kansas City, Mo.- In a battle of top seeds, No. 2 Loyola controlled No. 4 Arizona Christian from the beginning of their semifinal meeting in the 2021-22 NAIA Men's Basketball National Championship. The Firestorm saw their highest win total of a season come to an end.
- Game score: Loyola (LA) - 82, Arizona Christian - 70
- Records: Arizona Christian - 31-5, Loyola (LA) - 36-1
- NAIA Top 25 ranking: Arizona Christian - 4, Loyola (LA) - 2
- Location: Municipal Auditorium, Kansas City, MO
- A turnover on their first possession was a sign of things to come for ACU
- The Wolfpack then scored the first six points
- LU's lead grew to as large seven points twice in the first five minutes
- A three from Hayden brought ACU within three
- Three minutes later, Davis threw down a dunk and the Firestorm crept back within two
- Unfortunately, the Wolfpack countered with a 14-2 run to take control of the game
- Davis had an ACU best 10 points at the break
- Half number two belonged to LU as well
- ACU outrebounded Loyola 44-41
- But shooting 18.5% from three point country and giving up 23 points after turnovers was too much to overcome for the Firestorm
- Kudos to the Firestorm on a 31 win season- their most season wins in program history
Thoughts from Coach Rutter
"Credit to Loyola, they are very good and they played a great game and never really let us get in a rhythm offensively. I am proud of our guys for fighting until the end. We had some good looks early in the game but just did not hit them. Loyola does such a great job converting offensive rebounds and turnovers. We probably gave up a few too many of those to really get in striking distance."
"It is disappointing because we really believed that we had a good chance at winning the tournament. It's been such a great group to coach. Tremendous growth on the court and off."
"We have a great group of guys returning so we expect to be competing for a title once again but what an unbelievable group of seniors that will be moving on. Robby Wilson, Xander Bowers, Chris Daniels, Micah Bradford, and Darius were so special and really elevated our program. Unbelievable teammates. Will be tough to replace."
Up Next
The 2021-22 season comes to an end for Arizona Christian.
