Dec. 18, 2013

Postgame Comments | Box Score | Highlights

CHICAGO - Visiting Northern Illinois came all the way back from a 15-point, second-half deficit to hand Loyola its first home loss of the season, 55-49, tonight at Gentile Arena. Christian Thomas scored a game-high 16 points to lead the Ramblers (5-6). Northern Illinois improves to 4-5 with the win.

Loyola's defense was the story of the first half, really locking down over the final 12 minutes of the period. A Thomas basket and five points from Jeff White helped the Ramblers open a 17-9 lead midway through the period and LU's defense held the Huskies to one field goal over a 10:15 span as the home team was able to charge to a 28-14 lead at intermission. Loyola shot 50% from the floor in the opening half and held Northern Illinois to just 23% on 6-of-26 shooting.

A Nick Osborne free throw to open the second half made it a 15-point advantage before Northern Illinois began to chip away. A transition three-pointer from Travon Baker made it a nine-point game and another trey, this one from Aaron Armstead, cut Loyola's lead to six (35-29) at the 12:12 mark. A put-back later from Matt O'Leary bumped the lead back to six but a field goal drought of 6:51 helped spur a 10-1 NIU run that gave the visitors a 42-39 lead with 3:48 left. Devon Turk buried a three to tie the game and the Ramblers took a 44-43 lead on a Milton Doyle tip-in at the 2:20 mark but Northern Illinois closed strong.

A three-point play from Darrell Bowie put the Huskies back in front and, after a defensive stop, Baker hit another three to make it a five-point game with 1:09 remaining and Loyola would get no closer than three the rest of the way.

Loyola shot just 23% on 6-of-26 shooting in the second half while the Huskies warmed up, hitting 52% from the floor after halftime.

Loyola returns to action on Monday, Dec. 23 when it travels to New York to take on Fordham. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. CT from the Big Apple.