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Dec. 30, 2006

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Majak Kou tallied a career-high 30 points, but it wasn't enough as Loyola University Chicago (9-5, 1-1 Horizon) dropped a 76-71 decision at Youngstown State (7-7, 2-1 Horizon) this afternoon. The Ramblers trailed by as many as 20 points in the first half and almost pulled off the improbable comeback despite playing the final 25 minutes without senior Blake Schilb who left with an injury.

The Penguins came out of the block quickly, as Keston Roberts scored their first 10 points and YSU opened up a 10-2 lead just three minutes into the contest. Schilb departed the game at the 4:43 mark of the first half after he hit the deck after being called for a charge. YSU would build its lead to as many as 20 points (46-26) with 1:07 left in the half, but the Ramblers scored the final three points of the period and trailed 46-29 at the break.

Loyola ratcheted up its defense in the second half and stung Youngstown State with a 26-4 run to close the gap to 55-50 with 9:51 remaining in the game. Sophomore guard J.R. Blount scored nine of his 13 points during that stretch.

YSU led 69-62 with 1:40 left before Loyola mounted one final charge. Kou scored seven points in a 53-second span and Tracy Robinson's basket with 21 seconds left brought the Ramblers within a point, 72-71.

Roberts hit the front end of a two-shot foul to put the Penguins head 73-71, and after he missed his second attempt, was able to corral the rebound as YSU held on for the win.

With his career-best 30 points, Kou also became the 36th member of Loyola's 1,000-Point Club as his 30th tally gave him an even 1,000 points for his career. Blount added 13 points, five assists and three steals and Leon Young recorded 11 points and 10 rebounds for his second double-double of the season.

The Ramblers return to action Thursday, Jan. 4 when they host Cleveland State at 7 p.m.