Jan. 5, 2009
Box Score | Quotes
CHICAGO - J.R. Blount sank a pair of free throws with five seconds left to help lift Loyola University Chicago (9-6, 1-2 Horizon) to a 62-60 victory over Wisconsin-Green Bay (10-5, 3-1 Horizon) this evening at the Gentile Center. The Ramblers have now won seven of their last nine contests overall as for the 13th time in the last 18 meetings, LU and UWGB played a game that was decided by seven points or less or went into overtime.
Green Bay opened up a 21-16 lead in the first half before Darrin Williams ignited a 12-0 run with a tip-in, to help Loyola take a 28-21 lead. The teams exchanged baskets the remainder of the period until Aric Van Weelden's lay-up with three ticks left on the clock sent the Ramblers, who shot 56 percent from the field for the half, into the locker room with a 32-25 advantage.
The second half proved to be suspenseful as it featured 10 ties and six lead changes. Terry Evans' dunk with 16:23 left to play put the Phoenix capped an 11-2 half-opening run as the guests took a 36-34 lead. From there, the teams would trade leads for almost the rest of the contest. Ryan Tillema's free throws with 2:53 remaining moved Green Bay back ahead, 57-56. A Justin Cerasoli jumper some 30 seconds later gave the Ramblers a one-point lead and Blount hit a critical basket with 1:17 left to give the hosts a 60-57 advantage.
Troy Cotton drew the Phoenix even at 60 on a long three-pointer with 36 seconds left, setting up a final possession for the Ramblers. Blount, who drove hard to the basket, drew a foul and stepped to the charity stripe only 1 for 5 from the line for the night.
However, the senior calmly sank both shots to provide the winning margin and Cotton's three attempt from the left corner rimmed out as time expired.
Blount tallied a game-high 17 points, while Cerasoli chipped in 15 points, and Leon Young added 10 points and five rebounds for the Ramblers. With his first rebound of the game, Young became the 27th player in Loyola history to reach the 500-mark for his career. Van Weelden equaled a career high with nine points and chipped in four assists and a pair of steals. Green Bay received a team-high 16 points and nine boards from Randy Berry.
Loyola is back in action when it travels to Cleveland State on Jan. 8.
