Jeron Belin scored 16 points and Saint Peter's held off Loyola (Md.) 55-52 on Thursday night in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference opener for both teams.
The Peacocks (3-4), who have won three of their last four, led 55-47 with 2:07 to go. The Greyhounds (3-3) then scored five straight points, but missed two chances to tie the game in the final 16 seconds.
Brian Rudolph's layup made it 55-52 with 55 seconds left. After a turnover by Belin, Rudolph missed a layup. Wesley Jenkins rebounded for Saint Peter's and was fouled, but missed the front end of a 1-and-1.
Jamal Barney missed a 3-point attempt with 16 seconds left and Dylon Cormier missed his 3 with 8 seconds to go.
Ryan Bacon added 10 points for the Peacocks.
Cormier scored 11 points and was the only player in double figures for the Greyhounds, who shot 33.9 percent from the field (19 of 56).
