SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (February 22, 2020)
 
In Short
Host Missouri State (14-15, 8-8 MVC) used a big first half to build a commanding lead, then held off a feisty Loyola University Chicago (19-10, 11-5 MVC) comeback in the second half to earn a 74-62 victory this afternoon at JQH Arena. The loss snaps the Ramblers' four-game win streak.
 
How It Happened
Missouri State scored the first nine points of the game and put Loyola on its heels early, eventually working its lead to 21-13 before the Ramblers were able to start to get in sync offensively. A Cameron Krutwig free throw, followed by baskets from Franklin Agunanne and Keith Clemons trimmed the deficit to 31-19. However, the Bears closed the period on a 10-4 run to take a 41-23 advantage into halftime.
 
Loyola committed 12 turnovers in the first half alone, with the Bears converting those miscues into 14 points. An efficient Missouri State offense shot 59.3 percent (16-for-27) from the field in the opening period.
 
A Tate Hall three-pointer and conventional three-point play from Krutwig cut into the deficit, bringing Loyola within 41-29, but four straight Bears tallies bumped MSU's lead to 45-29.
 
Loyola reeled off eight straight points, four from Williamson, to close within 45-37 with 12:33 remaining. Minutes later, a three from Marquise Kennedy brought the Ramblers back within eight (48-40), but the Bears responded by scoring 12 of the next 14 points to all but seal the outcome.
 
A Look At The Numbers

• The game featured 54 total fouls called.
• Kennedy led the Ramblers with 16 points, while Clemons and Krutwig added 11 points apiece.
• Loyola limited the Bears to 25.8 percent (8-for-31) shooting from the field, including 18.2 percent (2-for-11) in the second half.
• Keandre Cook led Missouri State with 21 points.

 
Up Next
Loyola plays its final home game of the regular season Tuesday night (Feb. 25) when it welcomes Drake to Gentile Arena. Prior to tip-off, senior Bruno Skokna will be recognized for his contributions to the program.