RALEIGH, N.C. -

Final Score: North Carolina State 79, Loyola 77
Records: Loyola (5-2); North Carolina State (5-1)
Location: PNC Arena -- Raleigh, N.C.
Stats: Box Score  | Season Stats 

In Short
Aundre Jackson scored a team-high 20 points and Ben Richardson and Milton Doyle added 14 each, but Loyola University Chicago dropped a gut-wrenching 79-77 decision at North Carolina State (5-1) this afternoon at PNC Arena The Ramblers fall to 5-2 with the loss as their two-game winning streak comes to an end.

Coach Moser's Thoughts
“Both teams played really hard and made big plays down the stretch. Both teams left it all on the floor. I love our team and their effort. Our guys are genuinely hurting right now because they didn’t come here to lose and that’s a good sign as you build a culture and a program.”

How It Happened
Loyola looked ready to pull off a huge win right from the outset, getting off to a quick start as Doyle and Richardson combined for 11 points in a 13-5 game-opening run. The Ramblers hit 5 of their first 8 shots from three-point range and led by as many as 11 (25-14) before the second media timeout.

NC State slowly chipped away at the Loyola lead, drawing within 40-36 on a bucket by Terry Henderson. Richardson followed by draining his third three of the period to put the Ramblers back on top by seven, but the Wolfpack finished the half by scoring the final eight points, the last coming on a layup by Markell Johnson with four seconds left, to take a 44-43 lead at the intermission.

The Wolfpack opened the second half with seven unanswered points to extend their lead to 51-43, but Loyola responded with a 17-8 run that was capped with a layup by Doyle as the Ramblers seized a 60-59 advantage.

However, NC State answered with a hoop from Torin Dorn as part of a 7-0 spurt as the Wolfpack reclaimed the lead. Loyola responded with a 9-2 run that was capped by a three from Jackson to stake claim to a 69-68 lead. Dennis Smith, Jr. drained a three to put NC State back on top by two, but Jackson followed with a layup to knot the score at 71 with 6:41 remaining, setting up a thrilling finish.

Back-to-back baskets by Abdul-Malik Abu and Smith, Jr. put NC State ahead by four (75-71). A pair of free throws by Doyle got Loyola within 77-75 and following two foul shots by Smith, Jr., Doyle’s layup made it 79-77 with 10 seconds left.

Loyola had a chance to tie or win the game after Henderson missed a free throw. Doyle raced up the right sideline and appeared to get grabbed by the arm while attempting a shot with three seconds left, but there was no call as Markell Johnson stripped the ball and was fouled.

Johnson missed his free throw attempt, giving the Ramblers one last chance at a win or tie, but Cameron Satterwhite’s heave from half court was long.

Looking At The Numbers
- Jackson scored in double figures for the seventh time in as many games, the most by a Rambler newcomer since Keith Gailes in 1988-89.
- Loyola shot over 50 percent from the field for the fifth time this season, converting 50.8 percent (30-for-59) of its attempts today.
- Richardson’s 14 points and eight rebounds are season highs.
- Doyle has now scored in double digits in eight straight games dating back to last year.
- Dennis Smith, Jr., scored a game-high 30 points to lead NC State.

Up Next
Loyola opens up a four-game homestand on Wednesday (Nov. 30) when it welcomes Norfolk State to Gentile Arena.