Zeigler, Eagles shoot their way to win over Loyola in Florida

PANAMA CITY, Fla. — A&M-Texarkana shot a blistering 56 percent from the floor during the second half of Monday's game against Loyola, fighting its way to a 73-66 win in the opening day of the Battle at the Beach.

Levelle Zeigler scored a game-high 28 points, dished out four assists and grabbed three rebounds to lead the Eagles (2-1) past the Wolf Pack (2-3) in the first-ever meeting between the two programs.

Loyola dealt with foul trouble throughout the contest, putting the Eagles on the line for 24 free throws (TAMUT converted 18-of-24 at the line) and watching starters Alex Hammond and Braelee Albert each foul out in the game. Zeigler made 8-of-10 free throws for the Eagles.

Aman Measho added 12 points off the bench for the Eagles, who will hit the floor again tomorrow to take on Faulkner (Ga.) at 3 pm. Dezmond Washington tossed in 11 points and Raschard Greene added five points and six rebounds. Colby Rasberry had eight points and five boards.

TAMUT held Loyola to 37 percent shooting in the first half on the way to a 31-27 lead at intermission. The Eagles outscored the Wolf Pack in the paint by a 34-22 margin and created 18 points off turnovers. Greene and Washington each had three steals.