Horizon League Links

Butler
Detroit
Illinois-Chicago
Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Wright State
Youngstown State
Horizon Connection

Balanced Attack Beats Titans

2/20/03
by John C. Thomas
Five Ramblers scored in double figures, and LU weathered a 16-0 Detroit run to start the second half in capturing a 76-64 win Thursday night at the Gentile Center. The win moved Loyola ahead of the Titans for the fourth seed in the conference tournament, and virtually cemented a first round home tournament game.

Paul McMillan and David Bailey paced the Ramblers in the first half as the Loyola defense forced numerous turnovers and tough shots. Loyola was out boarded by the Titans in the first half, but Loyola out shot Detroit 40-35%. David Bailey hit a three-pointer as time expired in the first half to give Loyola a 42-29 lead at the break.

But instead of putting away the Titans, Bailey's three seemed to energize the visitors. Detroit peeled off 16 unanswered points to start the second half, and took a 45-42 lead with 15:08 left to play. Loyola answered with an 18-8 run of their own to take a 60-53 lead with 8:25 left. The Titans closed the gap to 67-64 with 2:55 left, but the Ramblers played incredible defense down the stretch and hit their free throws to ice the game.

McMillan led the Ramblers with 18 points, Bailey notched 16 points to go with his game-high seven assists, and Demetrius Williams had 13 points to go with his game-high 13 rebounds. Willie Green led Detroit with 23 points, but shot only 7-for-21 from the field and committed five turnovers.

Demetrius Williams was the player of the game, notching three blocks and two steals. He was flawless in his ball handling, and dove to the floor to get a loose ball. Terrance Whiters had a great game, with four steals, 14 points, and hints of great leadership that he'll be expected to provide next season.

Kevin Clancy played great defense on Willie Green, and Loyola's help defense was tremendous. The Ramblers filled the passing lanes and hassled Detroit mercilessly on the offensive end, forcing 16 turnovers and logging 11 steals.

The Ramblers are playing their best basketball of the season in their four game winning streak. The players each seem to know their role and the little things they have to do to win.