Nov. 26, 2005

Box Score

CHICAGO - Loyola University Chicago (3-0) used a strong defensive effort in the second half to erase a 32-31 halftime deficit and roll to a 70-55 victory over Luther College (1-2) this afternoon at the Gentile Center. With the victory, the Ramblers are off to their best start since 1999.

"Give Luther credit," Loyola head coach Jim Whitesell said. "Our team needs to understand that every day is a different game. I have an appreciation for kids that play at that level (Division III). I wasn't disappointed with the way we played. J.R. (Blount) really got us going in the second half."

Loyola led 19-17 midway through the first half before Blake Schilb and Majak Kou combined for 10 points in a 12-4 run that gave LU a 31-21 advantage with 5:37 left in the period. Luther however, held Loyola scoreless the rest of the half and scored 11 unanswered points for a 32-31 lead at intermission.

Kye Pattrick's basket to start the second half gave Loyola the lead for good and a solid defensive effort that forced nine Norse turnovers, lifted Loyola to the victory. Loyola sealed the win with a 15-1 run that broke open a 41-36 lead and gave the Ramblers a 56-37 edge.

J.R. Blount scored 13 of his 19 points in the second half as Loyola shot 60 percent (12 for 20) from the field. Majak Kou scored 18 points and hauled in seven rebounds off the bench while Blake Schilb contributed 18 points and five assists for the Ramblers. Garrett Pool scored 17 points to lead Luther.

Loyola puts its perfect record on the line when it hosts Bradley on Nov. 30.