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Green, Detroit End LU's Season

3/08/03
by John C. Thomas
Willie Green, the Horizon Player of the Year, had too much for Loyola to handle Friday night at the U.S. Cellular Arena in Milwaukee. The 6'4" forward scored 36 points-including 16 out of 18 free throws- while hauling in 14 boards and dishing five assists in Detroit's 98-84 win that ended Loyola's tournament run.

Loyola and Detroit traded baskets throughout the first half and well into the second half. After making just one of their last 24 three point shots, the Ramblers were on fire from the outside, nailing just about every three pointer they launched in setting a tournament record for three point shooting. But the Titans outhustled the Ramblers on defense, especially inside.

Loyola took a 45-43 lead on a David Bailey floater just before the end of the half, and Ramblers fans were encouraged that they had Detroit playing the game at their tempo.

The lead changed 17 times before Detroit finally took control midway through the second half. The Titans used a fantastic double team on Loyola's big men, and with just more than 10 minutes left to play and Loyola leading 64-63, the Titan defense forced two turnovers that helped lead a 10-0 run that put the Titans ahead permanently.

But it was not just the Willie Green show for Detroit. Terrell Riggs shot 9-of-10 from the field for 21 points, and Elijah Warren was 4-for-4 from behind the arc and perfect in six attempts from the line to add 22 points. The Titans' 98 points was easily their largest offensive output of the year, and 27.5 points more than their average entering the game.

The Ramblers were led by David Bailey, who did all he could to keep his college career alive. Bailey scored 28 points on 8-of-16 shooting, hit five three pointers, took two charges, and drove the lane to earn nine trips to the line- where he connected on seven. Paul McMillan added 19 points, and Corey Minnifield connected for 14.

Bailey finished his Loyola career ranked third in points (1933), third in assists (580), second in free throws made (467), third in steals (172), and first in three pointers made (166). In his four years, the Ramblers won more games than in any four-year period since 1985-89.

The 2002-2003 season will generally be remembered as a disappointment. Coming off a trip to the conference tournament final and an excruciating one-point loss in overtime at the final, Ramblers fans had high hopes. The road-heavy schedule was not the cure for generally weak play on the road, and the toughest non-conference schedule in years produced a 5-8 record out of the conference. The offense was much improved, but the defense deteriorated- thanks in large part to so many big minutes from players adapting to NCAA play, often on the road.

By the end of the season, the Ramblers found their stride. But a gut-wrenching loss to UIC on senior night seemed to take a lot of the bounce out of the Ramblers' step. And although Loyola matched their highest conference tournament seed in 15 years, having to win four straight games in the tournament to get to the dance was a daunting prospect.