Jan. 28, 2009

Box Score

MILWAUKEE - Wisconsin-Milwaukee (13-8, 8-3 Horizon) posted a 59-23 edge in rebounding, including a 34-2 advantage in offensive rebounds, en route to a 72-58 victory over visiting Loyola University Chicago (12-10, 4-6 Horizon) tonight at U.S. Cellular Arena. The Ramblers, who were led by 12 points and six assists from senior guard J.R. Blount, limited the Panthers to 36 percent shooting from the field for the game.

Milwaukee raced out to a 16-6 lead in the game's first four minutes, but Loyola rattled off eight unanswered points, including a pair of three-point field goals from Marcus Thomas, to draw within a basket at 16-14. Loyola trailed 29-25 late in the half, but UWM tallied the final nine points of the period to take a 38-25 lead into the locker room at the break.

The Ramblers opened the second half by clicking at both ends of the floor and sliced the deficit to 44-39 with 14:21 left to play. However, Milwaukee countered with a game-changing 16-1 run over the next 5:05 to open up a 20-point lead and put the game out of reach.

Loyola shot 48 percent from the field in the contest, and was 7 for 14 from three-point range, while limiting Milwaukee to 36 percent shooting overall and 29 percent accuracy from long distance.

Blount led Loyola with 12 points and six assists, while Darrin Williams notched 10 points and seven rebounds. Thomas came off the bench to throw in nine points on three treys and Jordan Hicks tallied seven points in only six minutes of action.

Avery Smith, who was held scoreless in each of his previous two games, led Milwaukee with 17 points, 13 rebounds and six assists.

The Ramblers look to bounce back when they conclude a four-game road swing at Green Bay on Saturday, Jan. 31.