Dec. 7, 2013
Postgame Comments | Box Score | Photo Gallery 
CHICAGO - Loyola shot a season-high 64% from the floor and Milton Doyle led four in double figures with 18 points as the Ramblers held off UIC, 73-70, this afternoon at Gentile Arena. Loyola (4-5) maintains its perfect home record this season while the Flames drop to 3-6 overall with the loss.
The two Chicago schools, who were facing each other as non-conference foes for the first time since 1994, put on an offensive show early. A three-point play from Nick Osborne got Loyola out to the early lead before a 10-2 UIC run gave the visitors a 14-10 advantage less than five minutes into the game. UIC's lead grew to eight (24-16) on a Pat Birt three-pointer but Loyola stayed effecient offensively, eventually pulling within a point, 26-25, after two Doyle free throws. The Ramblers actually led by as many as three but the Flames closed strong and took a 39-37 lead into the locker room at intermission. Both teams had their way, offensively, with Loyola hitting on 15-of-24 (62.5%) from the floor while UIC connected on 16-of-26 (61.5%)
Loyola stormed out of the gate in the second half and four different players scored during a 9-0, half-opening run that put the home team ahead, 46-39. UIC was able to stem the tide and close within a point but the Ramblers had an answer for each run. Baskets later from Christian Thomas and Jeff White pushed the lead back to five and it was back to seven (66-59) after a Doyle basket at the 3:28 mark.
UIC managed to get back within three at the two-minute mark but Loyola got a key stop in the final minute and two pressure free throws from Doyle bumped the lead back to five with 21 seconds to play. UIC's Kelsey Barlow scored on a put-back and was fouled to make it a 72-70 game and the Flames had one last chance after Thomas split a pair from the line but Barlow's three-pointer rimmed out and Loyola secured the win.
The Rambler defense was the difference in the second half, holding UIC to 41% from the floor, while they maintained their offensive efficiency, knocking down 66.7% (12 of 18) to finish at 64% for the game, their highest mark since shooting 65% in a win over Milwaukee in Jan., 2007.
Doyle led the Ramblers with 18 points and he was joined in double figures by Thomas (14 points, seven rebounds), Osborne (12 points, 5-5 FGs) and White (11 points, five assists). Marc Brown led UIC with 18 points.
Loyola stays home and has a six-day break before hosting Campbell on Friday night (Dec. 13) at Gentile Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
