CHICAGO (January 4, 2020)
 
In Short
Cameron Krutwig scored a game-high 23 points and Loyola University Chicago (10-5, 2-0 MVC) rallied from a five-point deficit in the final 10:23 to earn a 62-58 victory over preseason Missouri Valley Conference favorite Missouri State (7-8, 1-1 MVC) tonight at Gentile Arena. The Ramblers have now won seven of their last eight outings and are the lone remaining unbeaten team in conference play.
 
Coach Moser's Thoughts
"I know I've said this before, but it was just another night in The Valley. We have so much respect for Missouri State. They are so big and athletic and have a bunch of high-level guys that are hard to guard. I'm proud of our guys to keep battling and proud of how we finished the game."
 
How It Happened
Missouri State used a 12- 2 run that included a pair of three-pointers from Tyrik Dixon, to claim a 20-13 lead that grew to as many as 10 points. Loyola cut into the deficit, closing the first half with nine of the final 11 points of the period, five coming from Marquise Kennedy, to go into the break down only 30-27.
 
A brief 7-2 burst early in the second half broke a 35-all tie and put the Bears back on top, 42-37, but a Kennedy dunk and layup from Krutwig cut the gap to 42-41 with 8:33 remaining in the game. A Keandre Cook triple pushed Missouri State's lead to 45-41 and after the teams exchanged baskets, Lucas Williamson knocked down his first trey of the right from the left corner to get his squad within a point and Kennedy followed with a pair of free throws to give Loyola the lead for good, at 48-47.
 
Williamson added a free throw of his own and Keith Clemons scored a basket to close out what wound up being an 8-2 spurt, that ended with Loyola holding a 51-47 advantage.
 
The Ramblers' lead grew to as many as six (57-51) and they were able to hit enough free throws down the stretch to hold off the Bears' comeback attempt.
 
A Look At The Numbers

• Loyola committed a season-low six turnovers on the night.
• Krutwig added seven rebounds, none bigger than on offensive board on a missed free throw in the final 30 seconds.
• Kennedy pitched in 13 points off the bench and Williamson added 12 points for the Ramblers, who improved to 19-2 in their last 21 home Missouri Valley games.
• Gaige Prim scored 14 points off the bench for Missouri State, which committed 19 turnovers.

 
Up Next
Loyola travels to Drake Tuesday night (Jan. 7) for an 8 p.m. showdown that will be televised live on CBS Sports Network.