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CHICAGO (February 12, 2018) - Loyola looks to inch closer to its first-ever Missouri Valley Conference title and its first conference crown since 1986-87, when it hosts Valparaiso Wednesday night. The Ramblers have prevailed in 14 of their last 15 contests at Gentile Arena and have won 10 of their last 11 games overall. The Ramblers' 11 conference wins are the most since 1984-85 (13) and this is just the fifth time in program history that Loyola has recorded double-digit league victories. At 21-5 overall, the Ramblers have recorded the 14th 20-win season in program history and the second in the last four years under head coach Porter Moser. Prior to his arrival for the 2011-12 campaign, Loyola had one 20-win season in 26 years.
 
Series Stuff
Wednesday's game will be the 51st meeting in a series that dates back to 1922 between longtime rivals Loyola and Valparaiso. The Ramblers own a 35-15 advantage in the all-time series and have won two of the last three matchups, although the Crusaders have claimed seven of the last 10 meetings between the teams. In last month's meeting in Valparaiso, the Ramblers put together a 16-1 run in the second half to break open a 14-point lead and never looked back on the way to a 70-54 victory. Clayton Custer scored a team-high 18 points, 15 of which came in the second period, to lead Loyola.
 
Loyola has dropped each of its last four meetings with Valparaiso at Gentile Arena, and is seeking its first win on its home floor since a 71-56 victory on January 17, 2009. Overall, the Ramblers are 17-7 against the Crusaders when playing in the Windy City. Prior to the current four-game skid at home versus Valpo, Loyola had not lost to the Crusaders in Chicago since 1975.
 
Scouting Valparaiso
Valpo has split its last four games and is coming off of a 74-58 victory over a short-handed Illinois State squad on Sunday. Bakari Evelyn scored 22 points in that contest as the Crusaders held the Redbirds to 25 percent shooting in the second half. Valpo opened the season by winning its first eight games, but since then has gone 5-14.
 
The Crusaders are just 2-11 in true road games this season and are winless in seven contests away from home in MVC action. However, six of those seven road losses in Valley play have been by nine points or less. Valpo has dropped 11 of it last 12 road games overall.
 
Senior guard Tevonn Walker, a Preseason All-MVC pick, leads the Crusaders with 14.7 points per game and is adding 4.8 rpg. Bakari Evelyn is the only other Valpo player scoring in double figures, averaging 12.6 ppg.
 
Up Next
Loyola visits Evansville on Sunday, Feb. 18 at 3 p.m.