Loyola Marymount Wins on Late Rally

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. —  Loyola Marymount scored 15 consecutive points late in the second half to defeat Jacksonville, 106-105, for the championship of the Gator Bowl tournament Saturday night.

Senior Hank Gathers scored 32 points, 17 in the second half, to lead Loyola (3-1). Sophomore forward Chris Knight had 12 points, 11 in the second half.

Five of Knight’s points came during the 15-point run that saw the Lions turn an 86-73 deficit into an 88-86 lead.

Lion guard Terrell Lowery broke a 105-105 tie by making the first of two free throws with three seconds remaining.

After Lowery’s free throw, Knight deflected the ensuing inbounds pass, preventing a final shot by the Dolphins.

Jacksonville (2-3) was led by Curtis Taylor’s 32 points, 23 in the first half.

Loyola’s Bo Kimble, filling in for the injured Jeff Fryer at shooting guard, had 23 points and four assists. Fryer has a broken right hand.

Lion Coach Paul Westhead said: “Our guys were confident because we had the game going at our pace, with the score being in the 60s at halftime.

“Our defensive pressure in the second half helped us come back.”

Gathers was voted the tournament’s most valuable player.