CHICAGO (February 26, 2018) – Loyola University Chicago has captured first place in the inaugural "Battle for Illinois" rivalry series that pitted Missouri Valley Conference basketball rivals Loyola, Bradley, Illinois State and Southern Illinois against each another. The Ramblers finished the series with a total of eight points.
 
Both the men's and women's basketball teams accrued points in head-to-head competition, with each other, earning one point for each win. Loyola's men posted five total wins over its in-state rivals this season, while the Rambler women notched three victories.
 
The rest of the standings are still to be determined since Illinois State and Bradley play a women's basketball contest this weekend. However, heading into that game, Illinois State, Bradley and Southern Illinois are all tied for second with five points, with none able to catch Loyola for first place.
 
Loyola's men's basketball team, which has earned the No. 1 seed, opens play at the MVC Championship on Friday, March 2 at noon versus the winner of the Evansville/UNI game. The Rambler women host MVC regular-season champion Drake on March 1 at 7 p.m.