Dec. 19, 2011

Box Score
Post-Game Press Conference Video

CHICAGO - Host Loyola University Chicago (4-7) shot 51 percent from the field and held Rockhurst (5-5) to 35 percent accuracy en route to a 69-46 victory tonight at Gentile Arena. Junior forward Ben Averkamp scored 23 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead three Ramblers in double figures as Loyola won for the third straight game.

"I was really pleased with the way we moved the ball tonight and we were very unselfish," Loyola Head Coach Porter Moser said. "We know we have to get the ball inside and I thought our guards did a good job of accomplishing that task."

Playing against NCAA Division II Rockhurst, Loyola wasted no time taking control of the contest as it led from start to finish. A lay-up by Averkamp with 15:55 left in the first half sparked a 27-9 period-closing run that turned a 6-4 lead into a 35-13 advantage at the intermission.

Loyola received a huge lift both emotionally and on the court from senior Jordan Hicks who has not played since December 4, 2010 due to injuries. Arguably the most athletic player on the roster, Hicks provided six points, all in the first half, and also added a pair of rebounds and three assists in 15 minutes of action. His first basket, a lay-up, came at the 11:02 mark of the first half and gave the Ramblers a 19-6 lead.

"I'm really excited for Jordan to be back on the court after all he has been through. It has been a long climb back for him personally and we love having his athleticism and scoring ability," Moser said.

Loyola would lead by as many as 28 points in the second half and did not allow the Hawks to get within 19 (46-27) as every active player on the Rambler roster saw minutes tonight.

Averkamp's 23 points led Loyola and the 6-foot-8 forward has now scored 20 or more points in three consecutive outings, becoming the first Rambler to do so since Geoff McCammon, February 12-19, 2011.

Walt Gibler added 13 points and six boards for Loyola, which also received 10 points and five rebounds from Denzel Brito.

Kareem Amedu led Rockhurst with nine points.

Loyola puts its three-game winning streak on the line when it travels to Canisius on December 22 in its final tune-up before resuming Horizon League action on December 29 versus Wright State.