Nov. 29, 2008
Box Score | Quotes
CHICAGO - J.R. Blount scored a game-high 19 points as Loyola University Chicago (3-4) snapped a two-game losing skid with a 58-53 victory over visiting Holy Cross (2-4) this afternoon at the Gentile Center. The Ramblers picked up their first home win of the year today and also improved to 2-0 in day games this season.
"Defensively, we had a good last stand to help us win the game," Loyola head coach Jim Whitesell said. "This has been a long week. We played three really good opponents (at Western Michigan, vs. Cornell and at St. John's) and to come home and play another good opponent and get rewarded with a win is a great lift for our program."
Loyola built a 31-26 halftime advantage behind 55 percent (11 for 20) shooting from the field, while it forced Holy Cross into nine turnovers and only 39 percent (9 for 23) accuracy. After struggling to receive much production from its bench so far this year, Loyola saw its reserves kick in 15 points in the opening 20 minutes of play.
Consecutive baskets by Jordan Hicks and Blount to open the second half gave the Ramblers a 35-26 lead, their largest of the game. Holy Cross, however, would battle back and eventually took its first lead since six minutes into the first half when Colin Cunningham converted a conventional three-point play to give the Crusaders a 48-47 edge with 6:04 remaining.
Blount took over from there, scoring five of Loyola's next seven points in a decisive, 7-0 run to give the Maroon and Gold a 54-48 lead. The Ramblers clung to a 56-53 lead with 16 seconds left, but were able to ward off the Crusaders' attempt at a game-tying three-pointer and Darrin Williams corralled the rebound and drained a pair of free throws with one second left to seal the outcome.
In addition to his game-high 19 points, Blount chipped in five rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Polka added eight points and Williams contributed eight points and seven rebounds. Holy Cross received 13 points apiece from Cunningham and Greg McCarthy.
Loyola wraps up a two-game homestand when it hosts William & Mary on Dec. 2.
