Dec. 22, 2009

Box Score | Quotes

CHICAGO - Loyola University Chicago (9-2) shot 50 percent from the field (23-for-46) and three players scored in double figures as it captured a 68-56 victory over Albany (4-9) tonight at the Gentile Center. The Ramblers won for the fifth straight outing and maintain their unblemished record in five games at home this season.

Ben Averkamp hit five free throws and Geoff McCammon had a tip-in dunk as Loyola scored the first seven points of the contest and saw that lead grow to 16-6. After the Great Danes cut the Ramblers' lead down to six (20-14), a lay-up by Courtney Stanley, sandwiched in between a basket and foul shots from McCammon, stretched the Loyola advantage back to 12 points. Albany scored five unanswered points to get within seven, but Terrance Hill's three-pointer from the top of the key just before the buzzer sent the Ramblers into the locker room with momentum and a 31-21 lead.

A pair of early threes from McCammon keyed a 10-5 run to open the second period, but Albany would chip away and get within eight points, at 47-39 with 12:10 remaining. Loyola would reclaim momentum and control of the game thanks to a 5-0 run that featured lay-ups from Averkamp and Walt Gibler and a free throw from Hill.

Averkamp finished with season highs of 17 points and nine rebounds, to go along with two assists and a pair of blocks. McCammon racked up 16 points and Hill tallied 13 points, six assists and two steals. Gibler added nine points and five rebounds off the bench as Loyola dominated the battle of the boards, 37-25.

Fran Urli recorded 12 points to lead Albany.

After a break for Christmas, Loyola continues its four-game homestand by hosting St. Francis (Ill.) Monday, Dec. 28.