Jan. 21, 2010

Box Score | Quotes

CHICAGO - Playing in front of a raucous home crowd of 4,372 fans, the largest turnout of the season, Loyola University Chicago (12-6, 3-5 Horizon) missed a pair of shots in the final three seconds as No. 20 Butler (15-4, 8-0 Horizon) held on for a 48-47 victory at the Gentile Center tonight. The Ramblers dominated the glass, out-rebounding the Bulldogs, 42-29, but were victimized by 17 turnovers in a defensive slugfest.

Butler scored the game's first six points and after Loyola rallied to take a 12-11 lead on a Marcus Thomas three-pointer, the Bulldogs answered with a 12-3 run to open up an eight-point lead (23-15), their largest of the night.

Butler turned a 30-26 halftime advantage into a 38-31 lead with just over 13 minutes remaining, but a 12-5 Rambler run over the next six minutes, punctuated by a three-pointer by Terrance Hill, evened the score at 43-43.

Over the final 7:07 however, the teams tightened up their defense and combined for only nine points. A three by Gordon Hayward and a Ronald Nored free throw gave Bulldogs a 47-43 edge. Courtney Stanley split a pair of free throws and Hill again drained a long three with 48 seconds left to draw Loyola even at 47-47.

Willie Veasley drew a foul with 34 seconds left and after hitting the back iron on the first free throw, sank the second shot to give Butler a 48-47 advantage. Following a timeout, Loyola committed a turnover, but the Ramblers then forced the Bulldogs out of bounds on the sideline, setting up a chance to win the game with six seconds remaining.

Hill launched a three-pointer with three seconds left that rimmed out and Jordan Hicks' tip of Hill's miss also hit the iron as the final horn sounded.

Walt Gibler scored a team-high 14 points and grabbed nine rebounds off the bench for Loyola, while Hill chipped in 12 points and eight boards and Andy Polka snagged 13 rebounds.

Hayward and Shelvin Mack each scored 12 points to lead Butler.

Loyola looks to bounce back when it hosts Valparaiso Saturday at 3 p.m.