Dec. 6, 2005

Box Score

CHICAGO - Loyola University Chicago (5-1) won its sixth straight game at the Gentile Center with a hard-fought 73-63 victory over Western Illinois (2-4) tonight in a very physical contest. The Ramblers are now 11-2 in their last 13 games dating back to last season.

"I was happy with our readiness," Loyola head coach Jim Whitesell said. "I'm proud of our guys. This was a tough, physical game that didn't have as much rhythm as you would like. Western Illinois is a good team that I think will be right in the thick of things in the Mid-Continent Conference."

Loyola broke a 32-32 tie early in the second half thanks to a 13-3 run, as Blake Schilb scored seven of his game-high 22 points during that stretch. Western Illinois would get no closer than eight points the rest of the way.

The Ramblers had a rough night shooting the ball, hitting only 39 percent (26 for 67) from the field, but out-rebounded the Leathernecks 44-36 and committed only nine turnovers.

Schilb had his best game of the season, accounting for 22 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, two blocks and a pair of steals. He has now scored in double digits in each of his last 30 appearances. Joining Schilb in double figures was a trio of Ramblers - Chris Logan, Pierre Parker and Majak Kou. Western Illinois was led by David Jackson's 15 points.

Loyola looks to improve to 6-1 for the first time since 1979 when it hosts Purdue on Dec. 11.