Jan. 23, 2010

Box Score | Quotes

CHICAGO - Loyola University Chicago (12-7, 3-6 Horizon) got off to a fast start but couldn't sustain the early momentum as Valparaiso (10-11, 5-4 Horizon) rallied to post an 86-67 victory in front of 3,720 fans at the Gentile Center this afternoon. Despite the loss, the Ramblers turned the ball over just nine times, their second-lowest total of the season.

Geoff McCammon's long-range accuracy in the early minutes helped Loyola jump out to a 20-11 lead as he tallied eight points and hit a pair of three-pointers in that game-opening run. However, Valpo regrouped and tore off a 36-9 run that spanned two halves, to open up a 47-29 lead.

The Ramblers were able to slowly chip away at the deficit and used an 18-10 surge that was punctuated by a steal and lay-up by Courtney Stanley to get within 57-47 with 11 minutes remaining. Valpo ripped off 21-8 run over the next four minutes however, to open up a 78-55 lead, its largest of the afternoon, and take control of the contest.

Loyola received 30 points from its bench, led by 17 from sophomore forward Walt Gibler, who also grabbed five rebounds. Terrance Hill recorded 16 points, five assists and four boards and McCammon tallied all 10 of his points in the opening 20 minutes.

Valparaiso, which shot 52 percent from both the field (31-for-60), and three-point range (11-for-21), was led by 20 points from Ryan Broekhoff. Howard Little added 15 points and 14 rebounds for the Crusaders, who won their fourth straight League game.

Thursday night (Jan. 28), Loyola looks to get back on the winning track when it travels to Detroit.