It was an exciting matchup from start to finish, with the Bleu Devils (3-16, 1-12) taking an early 8-7 lead around the 15:30 mark on a three-pointer by Robert Byrd, assisted by Cornice Wingate.  The men shot 50 percent from the field - 33.3 percent from three-point range - and went 3 of 4 from the free throw line to take a 40-27 lead into the break.

In second half action, the Bleu Devils maintained a steady lead through much of the period with Burkes giving them their largest margin (61-47) with about 6:00 left in the game.  Way down the stretch, Loyola scored five unanswered points to pull within three, 60-63, with just 52 seconds remaining. 

On the next possession, it was Burkes again with a short jumper in the lane.  He was fouled by Ryan Brock for the and one to extend DU's lead by six, 66-60.  Another field goal by Burkes and a pair of free throws by Wingate in the final seconds insured the Bleu Devils first GCAC win.

Burkes, who tied with Brock for the game's scoring high, also grabbed a team-high six rebounds.  Fellow senior guard Autrail Manning chipped in 15 points for Dillard.  The loss puts the Pack's season record at 13-11 overall and 5-8 in conference play.

The Bleu Devils will attempt win number two when they travel to Mobile, Ala., on Saturday, February 13, to face the Spring Hill Badgers (10-12, 4-9).  Tip off time is 7 p.m., at Outlaw Recreation Center.