Mike Powell

Loyola (1-5) at Howard (0-7)Time: 7:30Site: Burr Arena, WashingtonRadio: WCAO (600 AM)Outlook: The Greyhounds are trying to end a five-game losing streak. They haven't met a team during this skid that couldn't be beaten, said coach Brian Ellerbe, but are hurting themselves with mistakes and prolonged scoring droughts. They battled Mount St. Mary's on Saturday but never led in an 83-73 loss. Sophomore G Mike Powell (19.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 4.5 apg) has been superb of late despite a groin injury, scoring 25 points in back-to-back games and averaging 37 minutes this season.

As he talks about the challenge of guarding the top offensive players in collegiate lacrosse, or the escape he enjoys in the works of novelists such as Dan Brown or Robert Ludlum, or the thrill of playing for an NCAA title, Navy senior defenseman Mitch Hendler is relaxed and smiling. The other Hendler, the one junior goalie Matt Russell refers to as "bitter Mitch," has vacated the room. The Midshipmen like having Hendler around, whatever his mood. Some days, Hendler is a grumpy sort who refuses to tolerate mental lapses and will not hesitate to let an offending teammate know about it. After he has suffered through a typically sleepless night before a game, Hendler controls his emotions; unleashes his tenacity, superb positioning and stick skills; and shuts down another scoring threat.

Mount St. Mary's (2-1) at Loyola (2-1)Site: Reitz ArenaTime: NoonOutlook: A win today would be the 1,000th in Loyola's 85-year history; its first came over Baltimore Medical College, 32-18, in 1908. This series began the following year, a game won by Loyola, 35-23. The Mountaineers lead the series, 87-63, and have won two straight. Last season, the Greyhounds were beaten in Emmitsburg, 83-73, despite 25 points from guard Mike Powell (13.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg).LTCNavy (5-1) at Wofford (3-3)Site: Benjamin Johnson Arena, Spartanburg, S.C.Time: 7Radio: WITH (1230 AM)

Loyola (10-13, 7-4) at Siena (8-15, 3-8)Site: Alumni Recreation Center, Loudonville, N.Y.Time: 7Outlook: Loyola moved within a half-game of third-place St. Peter's in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference after Sunday's 77-68 win over Niagara. Freshman G Jason Rowe (13.4 ppg) continued his recent tear with 23 points, seven assists and five steals. Senior F Anthony Smith (16.2 ppg) had 25 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Mike Powell (17.1 ppg), who had 35 points and 11 rebounds in an 85-76 win over Siena on Jan. 15, is playing despite a sprained right wrist.

Gerben Van Dorpe said he felt as though he had let his teammates down in the first half of yesterday's game at Loyola College, so who was better to provide a lift than the junior center?Van Dorpe made nine of 11 shots in the second half and ended up with a career-high 24 points to lead Mount St. Mary's past the Greyhounds, 74-60, at Reitz Arena in the state's oldest college basketball rivalry.Van Dorpe was 1-for-7 before halftime, his only points coming on a shot from beyond the arc with less than four minutes remaining.

About all that Loyola coach Brian Ellerbe could do after yesterday's game against Notre Dame was to add up the losses and shake his head. What had happened was almost too harsh for words, too unbelievable.There was the final score, which favored Notre Dame, 70-62, before 1,803 at the Baltimore Arena. His young team never led, but it didn't quit, either. That he could accept, even if it meant a fourth straight defeat.But he also had to deal with injuries to his two starting guards. John McDonald hurt his knee in the first half and is out indefinitely.

Before Loyola College headed to South Florida for last weekend's Sports Foundation Classic, freshman point guard Jason Rowe was playing about 30 minutes a game. In losses to Boston University and Monmouth, he played all but one.He had little choice. The Greyhounds have been dogged by injuries and illness, leaving a thin team almost transparent.Loyola was missing its two leading scorers, shooting guard Mike Powell (bad cold) and forward Anthony Smith (foot). Both helped run the offense when Rowe rested.

Gerben Van Dorpe said he felt as though he had let his teammates down in the first half of yesterday's game at Loyola College, so who was better to provide a lift than the junior center?Van Dorpe made nine of 11 shots in the second half and ended up with a career-high 24 points to lead Mount St. Mary's past the Greyhounds, 74-60, at Reitz Arena in the state's oldest college basketball rivalry.Van Dorpe was 1-for-7 before halftime, his only points coming on a shot from beyond the arc with less than four minutes remaining.