Blue Mountain, Miss.- Blue Mountain, Miss. – Blue Mountain Christian men's basketball put together a strong offensive showing on Thursday night, falling 86–78 to Loyola in an up-tempo SSAC contest that saw the Toppers surge late and push the Wolf Pack throughout the second half. 
Loyola controlled much of the early flow, jumping out to a steady lead behind efficient shooting and transition rhythm, while BMCU countered with interior scoring from Michael Hill and early defensive activity from Jalen Boyd-Savage and Esrael Yant.
 Loyola carried a 45–27 advantage into halftime, buoyed by a balanced attack and timely three-point shooting.
After the break, the Toppers found their stride, erupting for 51 second-half points and swinging momentum with high-energy play on both ends. Jamarion Harvey ignited the run, scoring 19 of his 21 points in the second half, including two timely threes and strong finishes at the rim.
Gavin Shannon matched that surge with 15 points and 8 rebounds while creating downhill pressure that chipped into the deficit. 
RJ Robinson added a needed spark off the bench, scoring all 12 of his points in the second half and grabbing 6 rebounds, helping BMCU close the gap to single digits multiple times.
The Toppers' defensive intensity also increased—Yant tallied 4 steals and a block, while the team collectively forced 15 turnovers, converting them into 22 points. Hill produced an efficient 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting to round out the leaders, and center Kosta Bjelicic paced Loyola with 19, while guard Leonard Jackson added 13.
BMCU continued to press late, attacking the lane and getting to the free-throw line, but Loyola's early cushion held through the final horn as the Toppers closed strong in a high-scoring finish in Tyler Gym.
The Toppers will play William Carey on Saturday at home at 2pm.
 
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