BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Lehigh’s men’s basketball team is gearing up for an exciting matchup against the Loyola Maryland Greyhounds this Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Reitz Arena. Both teams are closely matched, with the all-time series tied at 18 wins each. In their last encounter on January 19, Lehigh edged out Loyola with a score of 88-81. However, Loyola had the upper hand last season, defeating Lehigh three times, including a memorable game in the Patriot League Championship First Round.
If Lehigh secures a win this week, head coach Brett Reed will notch his 298th career victory. This accomplishment will bring him closer to the milestone of 300 wins, a significant mark in Patriot League history.
Lehigh’s junior captain Nasir Whitlock is in top form. He recently scored the game-winning basket in a thrilling overtime victory against Colgate, where the Mountain Hawks triumphed 77-76. Whitlock had an impressive performance with a career-high six three-pointers, alongside key contributions from teammates Andrew Urosevic and Edouard Benoit.
Meanwhile, Loyola sits sixth in the Patriot League standings, holding a 4-6 league record. In their most recent game, they faced a tough loss against first-place Navy, falling 87-71. Their leading scorer, Braeden Speed, averages 15.7 points per game, but the team has struggled with injuries, particularly with Jacob Theodosiou, who hasn’t played since January 14.
As the teams prepare for this Wednesday’s showdown, it’s worth noting the changing dynamics in college basketball. Teams like Lehigh and Loyola are working hard to compete in a league where every game matters. In the past few seasons, the level of competition has increased, with many games being decided by mere points.
Fans are eagerly buzzing about the game on social media, with many expressing excitement for both the matchup and the season ahead.
Lehigh will follow this game with another challenge against Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, on Saturday. This week promises to be packed with action, and all eyes will be on these teams as they strive to climb the ranks in the Patriot League.
For more on college basketball standings and player stats, check out this NCAA resource.
