CHICAGO (December 21, 2020) - Loyola looks to snap a two-game skid when it hosts the University of Saint Francis Tuesday afternoon. After winning their first three contests of 2020-21, the Ramblers have stumbled in each of their last two outings, both to ranked opponents.
 
Gentile Arena has been a tough place for opponents to play and Loyola brings an 11-game win streak on its home floor into Tuesday's game against Saint Francis. The Ramblers have claimed 15 of their last 16 contests at Gentile Arena. 
 
Despite its recent success, Loyola has dropped its final nonconference contest prior to the opening of Missouri Valley Conference play in each of the last four seasons. The last time the Ramblers won their final non-league game before Valley play commenced was December 21, 2015, when they topped Western Illinois, 72-67.
 
Over the last three-plus seasons, Loyola is 76-33 (.697) overall and is an impressive 43-7 (.860) in games played at Gentile Arena.
 
Loyola – Saint Francis – The Series
The Ramblers and Saints are facing one another for just the second time and the first since Loyola rolled to a 63-46 victory at Gentile Arena on December 28, 2009. Four players scored in double digits for Loyola in that game, led by Walt Gibler, who recorded 14 points off the bench. The Ramblers limited Saint Francis to just 34 percent (17-for-50) shooting in that contest and also received 12 points from Geoff McCammon, while Andy Polka corralled a game-high 16 rebounds to help the Ramblers dominate the battle of the boards, 47-25.
 
Under head coach Porter Moser, Loyola is 12-0 against non-Division I opponents, including a 76-48 victory over Lewis in the 2020-21 season opener. The Ramblers have won 14 consecutive contests against non-DI foes since an 86-79 setback versus Rockhurst in November 2008.
 
Scouting Saint Francis
Saint Francis, which is a member of the NAIA, has prevailed in five of its last six outings, including an 85-76 decision over Huntington on December 19. 
 
Senior guard Eric Ting (12.7 ppg) and fellow senior guard/forward Joey Buggemi (12.1 ppg) are the only Saints averaging double-figure points, and as a team, Saint Francis shoots a very respectable 39.8 percent (53-for-133) from three-point distance.
 
Each of Saint Francis' losses this season has come by six points or less. On the road this season, the Saints are 1-1, with a win at Governors State (74-66).
 
Up Next
Loyola opens Missouri Valley Conference action when it welcomes Illinois State to Gentile Arena for games on December 27 and 28.