Boxscore (PDF)

CHICAGO (November 6, 2018)
 
In Short
True freshman Cooper Kaifes scored a game-high 19 points in his collegiate debut to power Loyola University Chicago (1-0), which shot 54.7 percent (29-for-53) from the field, to a 76-45 victory over UMKC (0-1) tonight at Gentile Arena in the season opener for both teams. The Ramblers have now won seven straight season openers and 16 consecutive home games in nonconference play.
 
Coach Moser's Thoughts
"I was pleased we played the right way still, moving it and passing it. It was nice to see that right out of the gate."
 
How It Happened
Following a pregame banner-raising ceremony commemorating Loyola's historic run to the Final Four last season, the Ramblers came out and despite some early turnovers displayed the traits that made last year's club so successful – shooting at a high percentage and playing lockdown defense. Loyola scored the first six points of the contest, with Lucas Williamson's three-pointer capping that initial spurt, before UMKC cut the gap to two.
 
Kaifes provided an immediate lift when he entered the game in the first half, hitting a trio of three-pointers in a game-changing 15-3 run that turned a three-point advantage into a comfortable 26-11 lead. Christian Negron, healthy after battling injuries last season, showed flashes of his enormous potential in the first half and closed the period with a dunk that gave the Ramblers a 40-18 advantage at the break.
 
Loyola eliminated any chance of a UMKC comeback at the outset of the period, hitting its first eight shots from the field to open up a 60-29 lead that would grow to as many as 34 on a pair of occasions, delighting a raucous opening-night crowd.
 
A Look At The Numbers

• Loyola picked up where it left off defensively last season, when it ranked sixth in the nation in scoring defense (62.6), stifling the Kangaroos and holding them to 29.8 percent (17-for-57) shooting from the field.
• Kaifes finished the night 6-for-8 from the field, including 5-for-7 from beyond the arc, and knocked down his first five attempts from long range. He scored his game-high 19 points in only 19 minutes of action.
• Marques Townes added 13 points, three boards and four assists and Cameron Krutwig contributed 10 points, on 5-of-5 shooting, and six rebounds.
• Williamson and Franklin Agunanne pulled down nine rebounds apiece for the Ramblers, who dominated the glass to the tune of a 48-34 advantage. 
• Brandon McKissic led UMKC with 15 points.

 
Up Next
The Ramblers continue their season-opening four-game homestand Friday night (Nov, 9) when they host Furman at 7 p.m.