Nov. 18, 2008

Box Score

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - One night after a 21-point victory over Georgia, Loyola University Chicago (1-2) was unable to generate much offense due to No. 11 Purdue's (3-0) stifling defense as the host Boilermakers earned a 78-46 victory over the Ramblers at Mackey Arena tonight. With the win, Purdue advances to the semifinal round of the Dick's Sporting Goods NIT Season Tip-Off in New York next week.

"We played very well last night against Georgia, but to advance in this tournament you need to play well two nights in a row," Loyola head coach Jim Whitesell said. "Purdue's defense was very impressive. They took us out of what we wanted to do on offense."

Loyola held an early 4-2 edge and later trailed only 9-6 early in the contest before Purdue's defense put the clamps down and held the Ramblers scoreless for almost seven minutes. During that span, the Boilermakers rattled off six unanswered points to claim a 15-6 lead and never looked back.

Senior guard J.R. Blount, who came into the game as Loyola's leading scorer with 29.0 points per game through two contests, was held without a field goal and to three points on the night. Justin Cerasoli led the Ramblers with 14 points, four rebounds and four steals, while Andy Polka and Darrin Williams each chipped in six points and a half dozen rebounds.

The Ramblers are back in action on Saturday, Nov. 22 when they travel to Western Michigan. Loyola will also play two more games in the NIT Season Tip-Off next week at a location to be announced on Wednesday, Nov. 19.