Loyola at Butler Game Notes
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Feb. 20, 2007

Loyola (19-9, 9-5) at #15 Butler (25-4, 12-2)
February 22, 2007 -- 9 p.m. EST
Hinkle Fieldhouse - Indianapolis, Ind.

Radio: WYLL (AM 1160) - Andy Masur (play-by-play); Dave Klusendorf (expert analyst)
TV: ESPNU - David Kaplan (play-by-play); Mark Adams (expert analyst)

Tonight's Game: Loyola enters Thursday night's game at Butler as one of the hottest teams in the Horizon League with victories in each of its last six outings and eight of the last 10 games. The Ramblers are not only seeking their first win over a ranked opponent since 1986, but are also looking to record their first seven-game winning streak since Dec. 2, 1991 - Jan. 4, 1992. Loyola brings a four-game road winning streak into its final regular-season away contest of the year. Following Thursday's game at Butler, the Ramblers return home to close out the regular season Feb. 24 versus Horizon League and city nemesis, Illinois-Chicago.

Loyola - Butler - The Series: The Ramblers are Bulldogs are meeting for the 71st time in a series that dates back to 1928. Butler has won six of the last seven encounters between the teams, including a 70-66 victory in overtime at the Gentile Center last month. A.J. Graves scored 26 points to rally the Bulldogs to the victory despite 27 points and 11 rebounds from Blake Schilb. The Ramblers are looking for their first win at Hinkle Fieldhouse since Feb. 16, 1989 and have lost their last 17 games to the Bulldogs at the historic arena. Last season, Schilb scored 11 points, but it wasn't enough as Loyola dropped a 62-50 decision in Indianapolis as Brandon Polk tallied a game-high 21 points.

Ramblers Versus the Ranked: Loyola is 0-2 versus teams ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 this season with close losses at #7 Ohio State (87-75) and at home to #14 Butler (70-66 in overtime). The Ramblers, who are 31-106 all-time versus ranked teams, are looking for their first win over a Top 25 team since shocking No. 9 Illinois, 83-82 on Dec. 27, 1986. Loyola is 0-6 all-time versus ranked teams within in own conference and has dropped its last 17 games overall against nationally ranked foes.

Head Coach Jim Whitesell: In three short seasons, Jim Whitesell has injected new life into the Loyola program and made the Ramblers a contender for the Horizon League crown. So far in his brief stay in Rogers Park, the Iowa Falls, Iowa native has guided Loyola to a 51-37 (.580) overall record. A master at rebuilding programs in his previous stops at Elmhurst College and Lewis University, both of which he steered to NCAA Tournament appearances, Whitesell's 32 victories in his first two seasons at Loyola were the most by a Rambler coach in his first two campaigns since Tom Haggerty won 43 games from 1945-47. Whitesell is 25-21 (.543) in Horizon League play as Loyola's mentor, and last season notched his 300th career victory in the Ramblers' 77-60 decision at Cleveland State on Dec. 29, 2005. He is the first coach since Gene Sullivan in the early 1980s to lead Loyola to at least 10 wins in each of his first three seasons on the Lake Shore Campus. Whitesell, who sports a career record of 329-231, is 1-4 versus Butler.

Feb-ulous: In three seasons under Jim Whitesell, Loyola has compiled a 16-4 (.800) record during the month of February. Even more impressive is the fact that nine of the Ramblers' wins have come on the road, with eight of those victories coming on the floors of Horizon League foes.

Ten Spot: Loyola is looking to win 10 league contests for the first time since 1984-85, when it went 13-1 in circuit play and later advanced to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen. The Ramblers have won at least 10 conference games on only three occasions since joining a league for the 1979-80 season.

On The Defensive: Defense wins championships and when the Ramblers have turned up the heat on the defensive end of the floor, they have enjoyed success. In fact, in its current six-game winning streak, Loyola has held opponents to 34 percent shooting from the field, and is 10-0 this season when its foes have connected on less than 40 percent of its shots. During Horizon League action, the Ramblers have yielded 64.6 ppg, and held opponents to 40 percent shooting from the field, including 32 percent from three-point territory. Loyola has allowed only 56.2 ppg in its last six victories and only one team (Detroit) has shot more than 40 percent during the current five-game winning streak. In holding its last seven opponents under 70 points, Loyola has recorded its longest such streak in a single season since 1957-58, when it limited eight straight foes to fewer than 70 points. The Ramblers are holding opponents to 55.0 ppg, 32 percent (56 for 178) shooting from the field and 23 percent (14 for 60) from long distance in the last three road games.

Stating a Case: With 19 wins, Loyola ranks behind only Southern Illinois (23-5), which defeated Butler last Saturday, for the most wins by a NCAA Division I program in the Land of Lincoln as of Feb. 18. Bradley (19-10) and Illinois (19-9) have also notched 19 victories in 2006-07.

Back to Life: Loyola is guaranteed consecutive winning seasons for the first time since 1983-84 and 1984-85. The Ramblers went 19-11 in 2005-06.

Climbing the Charts: Schilb continues to climb both the Loyola and Horizon League career scoring charts and enters tonight's contest in 20th place on the conference's all-time list with 1,773 points. The high-scoring senior is one of 26 players in League history to rack up 1,700 points and is aiming to become only the 16th player to top the 1,800-point plateau. Up next on the list is Willie Green of Detroit (1,779).

All in the Name of Charity: A major factor in Loyola's success has been the ability to get to the foul line. Through 28 contests, the Ramblers have made 459 foul shots, while their opponents have taken only 451. Loyola set a school record and led the Horizon League with a .754 free-throw percentage a year ago.

Majak of All Trades: While Schilb grabs most of the headlines, his fellow backcourt mate, Majak Kou, quietly puts up impressive numbers at both ends of the floor. The slender 6-foot-5 guard was one of only six players in NCAA Division I competition to average at least 1.0 three-point field goals, blocks and steals per game in 2005-06. The versatile senior has converted 25 of his last 29 (.862) attempts from the foul line and has scored in double digits in 13 of the last 16 contests, including each of the last four. Over the last four outings, Kou is chipping in 16.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.5 apg and 1.5 spg and is also putting up 18.3 ppg and 6.3 rpg in four games versus opponents from the state of Indiana this year. In the last two road games, Kou is posting 16.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg and is shooting 55 percent (12 for 22) from the field.

Thousand Island: Kou became the 36th player in Loyola annals to record 1,000 career points when he tossed in his 30th point in the Ramblers' Dec. 30 game at Youngstown State. Schilb and Kou are the first set of Loyola teammates to have at least 1,000 career points at the same time since Carl Golston and Andre Battle in the mid-1980s. With 1,197 points, Kou ranks 21st on Loyola's all-time scoring chart.

Maybe It Is How You Start: Since the start of the 2005-06 season, Loyola has amassed a 34-2 (.944) record in games in which it has held the lead at halftime.

Schilb's Shooting: Schilb's success in putting the ball in the basket has had a direct effect on the outcome of games over the last few seasons. In fact, Loyola is 26-4 the last 30 times the talented senior guard has shot 50 percent or better from the field. Loyola's all-time leader in three-pointers made, Schilb has converted 79 of 160 (.494) tries from the field in Horizon League competition this season. He has converted at least one three-point field goal in nine of the last ten contests and Loyola is 7-1 this year when he buries three or more triples. Over the last ten games, Schilb has drained 22 treys after hitting only 15 in his previous 13 appearances. He has converted 17 of his last 18 (.944) tries from the foul line, and in addition to averaging 15.0 ppg, 5.2 rpg and 5.2 apg, is shooting 49 percent (29 for 59) from the field, including 42 percent (8 for 19) from long distance, in the last five road outings.

Not Without a Hitch: Head athletic trainer Dr. Tom Hitcho is working his 860th consecutive Loyola men's basketball contest today. Since joining the staff for the 1977-78 campaign, "Hitch", as he is affectionately known to those on campus, has not missed a single contest and has witnessed 403 Rambler victories. In his 30th year at Loyola, Hitcho was inducted into the Loyola Athletics Hall of Fame last February.

Polka Mania: With 7.0 rpg, Andy Polka is the leading rebounder among freshmen and ranks fourth overall in the Horizon League. The 6-foot-7 forward is contributing 11.5 ppg, 8.0 rpg and 2.0 apg, while shooting at a .571 (8 for 14) clip from the field, in the last pair of contests. The Mr. Basketball award winner in the state of Wisconsin a year ago, Polka hauled in nine boards against Butler last month and has scored in double figures in each of the last two outings. His 196 rebounds rank as the fifth-best single-season total for a freshman in Loyola annals.

Good Woods: Since moving back into the starting lineup six games ago, senior Brandon Woods is contributing 5.5 ppg and 2.8 rpg while shooting 53 percent (16 for 30) from the field. The 6-foot-8 forward, who his converting 59 percent (26 for 44) of his tries from the field away from home, has helped Loyola to a 21-7 record in 28 starting nods during his career. Woods is also springing for 5.3 ppg and shooting 56 percent (10 for 18) versus Indiana foes this year.

Blake Bits: Much like years past, Schilb is heating up for the home stretch and is tallying 17.0 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 5.4 apg, 1.7 spg and 0.8 bpg over the last ten games. The Preseason Horizon League Player of the Year has scored in double figures in 43 of his last 45 regular-season Horizon League contests. Loyola has won 10 of the last 13 games in which Schilb has scored 20 or more points. The two-time First Team All-Horizon League selection has converted 75 of his last 84 (.893) free throw attempts and earlier this season drained 33 straight shots from the foul line. Schilb has reached double digits in scoring in 38 of his last 40 games at the Gentile Center, topping the 20-point mark in 15 of his last 24 outings there. For the first time in his career, he has battled various nagging injuries this year and is accounting for 16.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg and 5.2 apg in 13 games since returning from a dislocated finger. Loyola is 14-3 this season when he owns a positive assist-to-turnover ratio and the table-setter dished out a career-best 10 helpers to go with 11 points at UW-Green Bay, Feb. 10. Schilb, who has recorded a double-double in three of the last eight games, has put up 18.6 ppg, 6.8 rpg and 5.4 apg in his last five appearances against Butler. He ranks sixth on the Ramblers' all-time assist list with 420 set-ups, fourth with 153 steals and has scored in double figures 10 of the last 11 contests.

Milwaukee's Best: If you had to describe sophomore guard J.R. Blount in one word, there is no question it would be "winner". The 6-foot-1 Milwaukee native has compiled a staggering 89-23 (.795) record over the last four seasons. Blount is accounting for 15.7 ppg, 7.7 rpg and 2.3 apg in his last three appearances on the road and is contributing 14.6 ppg in the last five games overall. He is tallying 13.9 ppg with 50 assists to only 39 turnovers in the Ramblers' wins this year and Loyola has posted a 11-1 record this season when he has recorded a positive assist-to-turnover ratio. He is the only Rambler to start all 28 games this season and along with Leon Young is looking to become the first Rambler since Chris Williams (1998-2000) to average over 10.0 ppg as both a freshman and sophomore. Over the last three games, he is snagging 8.7 rpg and has dished out seven assists to three turnovers in the last pair of contests.

Select Company: With a season-high nine rebounds at Bradley on Dec. 19, Schilb became the 18th player in Loyola history to record at least 1,000 points and 500 rebounds for his career. Schilb enters today's game with 1,773 points and 578 boards and is the only player in Loyola history to register 1,000 points, 500 rebounds and 400 assists. He also has totaled over 400 points, 100 rebounds and 100 assists for the third straight season.

That Under 70s Show: Loyola is 15-2 this season, and 37-10 under Whitesell, when allowing fewer than 70 points. Since the start of the 2005-06 campaign, the Ramblers have posted a 27-5 ledger when yielding fewer than 70 points.

Levin La Vida Loca: Over the last three outings, Tom Levin has been a major contributor off the Ramblers' bench, averaging 9.0 ppg and 3.7 rpg, while shooting 63 percent (10 for 16) from the field, including 56 percent (5 for 9) from three-point territory. The 6-foot-8 forward, who missed six games, mostly in January, has scored in double digits in two of the last three contests and matched a career high with 12 points against Eastern Illinois last Saturday. Last season, Levin drained three treys en route to nine points at Butler.

Senior Moment: Since moving to a starting lineup that features four seniors (Kou, Kye Pattrick, Schilb and Woods), Loyola has reeled off a spotless 6-0 record.

Road Warriors: Loyola has won four straight true road games for only the second time in the last 22 seasons and both have come under Whitesell's direction. In 2004-05, Whitesell's first year in Rogers Park, the Ramblers reeled off four consecutive true road victories by disposing of Wright State, Illinois-Chicago, Evansville and Cleveland State. The 1984-85 team won seven straight true road contests.

California Dreaming: During the early signing period in November, Loyola signed 6-foot-8 forward Kyle Thomas to a National Letter Intent for the 2007-08 season. The Folsom, Calif., native has been rated by some publications as the third-best player in northern California after averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds per game as a junior at Folsom High School.

Three-mendous: With a victory over UW-Milwaukee on Feb. 14, Loyola clinched the No. 3 seed and a first-round bye for the Horizon League Championship. The last time the Ramblers were seeded that high was 1986-87 when they held the No. 2 seed at the league tournament. Loyola will play its first game in the tournament on Friday, March 2, at 5 p.m. Eastern, versus the winner of the No. 6 vs. No. 7 game, which will be played on Tuesday, Feb. 27.

Gentile Giants: The Ramblers have won 17 of their last 21 games at the Gentile Center and are 27-6 in their last 33 contests on their home floor. Loyola went 13-3 at the Gentile Center a year ago to set a record for most home wins in a single campaign since the building opened for the 1996-97 season. Under Whitesell, the Ramblers are 16-3 versus non-league foes and have claimed 13 of their last 18 games versus Horizon League opponents at "The Joe". Loyola is 32-12 (.727) at home in the Jim Whitesell era, including a 25-6 (.806) mark since the start of the 2005-06 season. With a win over UIC on Feb. 24, the Ramblers would equal the Gentile Center record for wins in a single campaign.

Salute to the Seniors: Prior to Saturday's game with UIC, Loyola will recognize the contributions of six seniors - David Gale, Majak Kou, Kye Pattrick, Blake Schilb, Brandon Woods and manager Matt LaRoche. Under Whitesell, the Ramblers are 2-0 on Senior Day.

Twentysomething: Loyola needs one more victory for its first 20-win season since going 27-6 and advancing to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen in 1984-85. In its storied history, Loyola has posted 11 20-win campaigns and has gone to the postseason in seven of those seasons, making four trips to the NCAA tournament at three appearances in the NIT.

Great Eight: Loyola has won at least eight League games three years in a row for the first time since 1981-85, when they notched 44 League victories over a four-year span. In addition, head coach Jim Whitesell is the first bench boss in school history to win eight or more conference contests in each of his first three seasons in Rogers Park.

Double-Digit Decisions: Five of Loyola's last six wins have been by 10 or more points. In all, 13 of the Ramblers' victories this season have been by double-digit margins.

Young and Restless: After becoming the first true freshman to lead the Ramblers in rebounding since Javan Goodman in 1995-96, Leon Young has shown no sign of a sophomore slump, aside from battling nagging injuries. The 6-foot-6 forward recorded five double-doubles a year ago, the most by a Rambler freshman since Goodman, and is tallying 10.0 ppg and 6.2 rpg in 22 appearances this season. Young, the 2005-06 Horizon League free-throw percentage leader, has buried 64 of his last 76 (.843) charity tosses, including 37 of his last 42 (.881) throws. Young scored his 500th career point against Butler on Jan. 25 and the Ramblers are 6-1 in his career when he records a double-double. In his last five appearances at home, Young is contributing 12.2 ppg and 6.2 rpg. He has been sidelined the last four games with an infected elbow and has missed a total of six games due to injury this season.

Something's Got to Give: Tonight's contest pits the top-scoring team in the Horizon League, Loyola at 70.1 points per game, versus Butler, the top defensive team in the circuit, at 56.9 ppg. The Ramblers rank third in the league in defense, surrendering 65.1 ppg, while the Bulldogs rank third in scoring offense with 69.3 ppg.

Backcourt Bonanza: The three-headed backcourt monster of Schilb, Kou and Blount is combining for 42.3 ppg, which is 60 percent of Loyola's per game output, and 13.1 rpg. A year ago, the trio accounted for a collective 43.2 ppg.