Nov. 24, 2013

Box Score

CHICAGO - Behind 14 points each from Matt O'Leary, Christian Thomas and Jeff White, Loyola University Chicago (3-4) snapped a two-game losing streak by earning a 73-72 victory over SIU Edwardsville (1-5) this afternoon at Stott Center in the final game of the Portland State Tournament.

"I'm proud of the guys because they are exhausted, but they grinded it out," Loyola head coach Porter Moser said. "We talked about getting one stop and we got it."

Behind Thomas and O'Leary, who combined for 12 of the team's first 24 points, Loyola jumped out to a 24-19 led before the Cougars scored nine straight points to claim a 28-24 advantage. Despite shooting 54 percent (13-for-24) from the field, Loyola trailed 35-33 at the break.

Back-to-back baskets by Thomas and Devon Turk erased a one-point Cougars advantage gave Loyola a 73-70 lead with 1:21 remaining and Loyola weathered a late comeback attempt to hang on for the win.

Donivine Stewart scored a game-high 22 points to lead SIUE.

Loyola takes a week off from competition and is back in action next Sunday (Dec. 1) when it makes its first-ever visit to Mississippi State.