Jan. 14, 2012
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CHICAGO - Walt Gibler scored a game-high 21 points but Daniel Barnes and Gary Talton combined for 24 points and eight three-point field goals as UIC (6-11, 2-5 Horizon) picked up a 58-51 victory over visiting Loyola University Chicago (5-12, 0-7 Horizon) this afternoon at UIC Pavilion. The loss snaps the Ramblers' four-game winning streak against their crosstown rival.
"Ben (Averkamp) and Walt (Gibler) are playing their tails off, but they need some help and just aren't getting it," Loyola Head Coach Porter Moser said. "UIC's guards hit some big shots and our guard game was nonexistent again."
Darrin Williams scored five of the game's first 10 points as UIC stormed out to an 8-2 lead that grew to as many as 10 points (18-8) before Loyola tightened the clamps on defense. A conventional three-point play by Christian Thomas kicked off a 15-4 Rambler run that was punctuated with a pair of Denzel Brito free throws as the Ramblers grabbed their first lead of the game, at 23-22 with just over three minutes left in the half.
However, UIC closed the period on an 8-2 run to take a 30-25 lead at the half. Loyola was able to weather the storm in the first half despite Gibler and Joe Crisman each picking up two early fouls.
The early part of the second half was the Walt Gibler Show as the senior forward scored 13 of the Ramblers' first 20 points of the period. Loyola trailed 39-30 with 15:16 left before rattling off a 15-5 run to take just their second lead of the game, at 45-44, thanks to Gibler's three-point play that wrapped up the Rambler spurt.
A lay-up by Dorian Tyler on the Flames' next possession though ignited a 10-2 run as UIC took a 54-47 lead with 4:45 showing on the clock.
Loyola was able to get within three, at 54-51, on another bucket by Gibler, but the Ramblers would be held without a point over the final 2:33.
Gibler, who hit 8 of 9 shots from the field, has now scored in double figures in 11 straight contests, and Averkamp added 10 points, nine rebounds, four assists and a pair of blocks for Loyola.
Barnes scored a team-high 18 points to pace UIC.
Loyola is back in action next week when it opens a weekend homestand by hosting Valparaiso on January 19.
