Jones, Walker held Loyola (Md) beat American U 68-66

WASHINGTON (AP) - Jarred Jones had a double-double, Andre Walker scored 18 with seven assists and Loyola beat American 68-66 on Friday night in the Patriot League opener for both teams.

Jones finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds four assists and two blocked shots. Cam Gregory added 13 points on 5-of-5 shooting.

American's Delante Jones hit a 3-pointer to cap a 12-2 run that made it 52-all with 8:13 left, but Chuck Champion converted a 3-point play, Jones hit a jumper and Chancellor Barnard made a layup to put Loyola (7-5) a seven-point lead two minutes later. Jones hit two free throws to make it 59-54 with 5:57 remaining, but Walker converted a 3-point play and the Greyhounds made 6 of 6 free throws from there to hold on.

Sa'eed Nelson's potential winning 3 from the top of the key was blocked by Walker with two seconds left.

Nelson, a freshman who has scored in double figures in every game but one, had 22 points. Mark Gasperini added 18, on 8-of-11 shooting, and three blocked shots.

Loyola has won three in a row and six of its last seven.