CHICAGO – The Ramblers and Flames battled until the final seconds Tuesday night, but a pair of free throws with 11 seconds to go helped UIC escape with a 72-67 win. Loyola Chicago was led by a pair of Ramblers in double-figures, including a team-high 13 points from Des Watson.
 
With the loss, Loyola falls to 1-2 overall.
 
"You know, there have been games throughout this entire journey of Loyola basketball where we've been a really good team, and yes, we might've dropped a game or two early," said head coach Drew Valentine. "But I still believe in this group. That's what my message was in the locker room, and we're going to continue to stay together, we're going to continue to grind and learn from our mistakes. I still think this group is pretty dang good, and I'm excited about the positives that came out tonight."
 
How It Happened
The first four made field goals of Tuesday's battle came from three-point range. Toby Okani hit two of UIC's three helping the Flames to an early 9-3 edge. The Ramblers and Flames would go point for point over the next few minutes until Philip Alston and Dame Adelekun worked together cutting the lead to two with 13:32 on the clock. UIC couldn't shake Loyola for the remainder of the half never building a lead past five.
 
Miles Rubin and Watson were fouled on back-to-back possessions. Both went 2-for-2 at the line, and the Ramblers took their first lead of the game with 4:53 to go. Loyola followed up with  a 10-2 run capped with a three from Greg Dolan for an eight-point lead under the three-minute mark. The Flames chipped away with the final seven points of the half, but Loyola held on to lead at the break, 37-36.
 
The second half started in UIC's favor with an 8-2 run to regain the lead. It took until the 9:23 mark for Loyola's effort to pay off. Dolan hit a jumper inside the paint for a one-point advantage, and the Ramblers held control until a three from Isaiah Rivera at the 5:32 mark tied it, 60-60.
 
UIC rebuilt their lead back to five by the final minute, but the Ramblers got within three on three occasions before time expired. Loyola pressed for a steal following Jalen Quinn's drive and make with 13 seconds to go, but a foul sent Rivera to the line. The Flames escaped with a 72-67 win.  
 
Inside the Box Score
- Watson finished in double-figures for the second straight game. He led Loyola's offense with 13 points.
- Braden Norris had a productive night recorded 12 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals. It's his first game with at least 10 points this season.
-  Loyola had its best night at the line of the season finishing 23-of-25.
- The Ramblers forced 16 turnovers and outscored the Flames on points off turnovers, 17-8.
 
Up Next
Loyola wraps up a stretch at home with New Orleans on Saturday. Tipoff in Gentile Arena is 3 p.m.