Feb. 11, 2006

Box Score

CHICAGO - Majak Kou scored a game-high 21 points as Loyola University Chicago (14-9, 6-7 Horizon) held on for a 71-68 victory over city rival UIC (12-13, 5-8 Horizon) tonight at the UIC Pavilion. With the win, the Ramblers surpassed their win total from a year ago and have posted their most victories since 2002-03, when they went 15-16.

"This is one of those games that is great to win," Loyola head coach Jim Whitesell said. "This is what this rivalry is all about. I thought we shot the ball well in the first half. It was back and forth the whole way. We have great respect for UIC."

Led by Kou, the Ramblers shot lights out in the first half, hitting 63 percent of their shots, including 5 of 9 from three-point range, to build a 36-23 lead with 3:54 left. UIC closed out the half strong on an 11-4 run as Loyola held a 40-34 lead at the break. Kou scored 15 of his 21 points in the first half, connecting on 6 of 7 shots from the field.

UIC rallied from a seven-point deficit in the second half and took a 55-53 lead on Jovan Stefanov's three-pointer with 11:25 to play. Loyola reclaimed the lead for good as Leon Young sank four straight foul shots.

Loyola clung to a 69-64 lead with 2:33 left but consecutive lay-ups from Josh Mayo and Justin Bowen closed the gap to 69-68 with 12 seconds remaining. Tracy Robinson took the in-bounds pass and was immediately fouled. The sophomore calmly sank both ends of a one-and-one opportunity to give the Ramblers a 71-68 edge.

Mayo's three-pointer as time was winding down fell short as Loyola claimed its second straight win at the UIC Pavilion, and fourth straight victory overall versus the Flames.

Kou was backed by 13 points each from Blake Schilb and Young, while Justin Bowen led UIC with 19 points.

The Ramblers close out a three-game roadtrip when they travel to Butler, Feb. 16.