Feb. 18, 2009

Box Score | Quotes

CHICAGO - Loyola University Chicago (14-15, 6-11 Horizon) used a shutdown defensive effort, which forced 24 turnovers, to earn a 67-41 victory over Detroit (7-19, 2-14 Horizon) this evening at the Gentile Center. The win snaps a three-game home losing skid for the Ramblers, who also allowed their fewest points since a 106-35 victory over Western Ontario on Dec. 4, 1964.

For the second straight game, Loyola got off to a fast start, this time scoring the first seven points, as Jordan Hicks drained a three-pointer and converted a lay-up and Justin Cerasoli hit a lay-up in the opening 2:19 of the contest. The Ramblers would stretch their first-half lead to as many as 16 points (26-10) and took a 31-17 advantage into halftime. Loyola built the lead behind 46 percent (12 for 26) shooting from the field as Cerasoli (12 points) and Hicks (10 points) each reached double digits in scoring in the first 20 minutes of the game. A stingy LU defense forced nine Titan turnovers and held the visitors to 25 percent (7 for 28) shooting in the opening period.

Eugene Blue opened the second half with basket to draw Detroit within 12 points, but that is as close as the Titans would get the rest of the way. Loyola has now won back-to-back contests for the first time since a four-game winning streak in December.

Cerasoli notched a game-high 19 points and added four rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a pair of steals, while J.R. Blount tallied 13 points, seven boards and two steals. Hicks recorded 12 points, marking his fourth consecutive double-figure-scoring output, and also chipped in three rebounds, two blocks and four steals.

Detroit received 11 points from Eulis Stephens.

Loyola steps out of Horizon League action to face Bradley on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 3 p.m.