Boxscore (PDF)

CHICAGO (January 2, 2019)
 
In Short
Loyola University Chicago (8-6, 1-0 MVC) played like a defending champion, putting together arguably its most complete game at both ends of the floor so far this season to roll to a 79-44 victory over Indiana State (8-5, 0-1 MVC) in the Missouri Valley Conference opener for both teams tonight at Gentile Arena. The Ramblers, who have now won eight straight home league games, held the Sycamores 30 points under their season average, while shooting 56.4 percent from the field themselves. 
 
Coach Moser's Thoughts
"I'm proud of our guys. We played the right way at both ends tonight and really have a lot of respect for Indiana State. We didn't come our scorching the nets, but I'm most proud of the fact that we didn't let that dictate our defense. I'm excited about the win and moving on."
 
How It Happened
Loyola played a nearly perfect first half in building a remarkable 34-point lead (46-12) at the break, using two massive runs to provide the comfortable margin. After falling behind 6-2, the Ramblers went on a 21-2 onslaught that featured 15 unanswered points as they claimed a 23-8 advantage. 
 
As if that burst wasn't impressive enough, Loyola closed the period with 20 consecutive points, spurred on by four three-pointers, two each from Clayton Custer and Marques Townes, to turn a 14-point lead into a 46-12 edge at the intermission.
 
The Ramblers limited Indiana State, which came into the game tied for the national lead in three-point field goal percentage, to 0-for-8 from deep in the opening 20 minutes, and 24 percent (6-for-25) from the field, while burying 65.5 percent (19-for-29) of their shots from the field. Using a balanced attack, Loyola scored 30 points in the paint and also got six three-point field goals in the opening period, with three players scoring in double figures – Cameron Krutwig (12), Aher Uguak(11) and Townes (10) – and a fourth close behind (Custer – 9).
 
Loyola's lead would expand to as many as 39 points (58-19) in the second half when Krutwig scored with 16 minutes remaining and from there the Ramblers would put it on cruise control as they picked up a win in a Valley opener for the first time since December 31, 2014. 
 
A Look At The Numbers

• Uguak had his best night in a Loyola uniform, going for a career-best 19 points, on a perfect 8-for-8 shooting from the field, including 2-for-2 from beyond the arc, while adding four rebounds, three steals and an assist.
• Krutwig recorded his second double-double of the year, totaling 16 points and 10 boards, along with five assists, two blocks and a pair of steals.
• Townes collected 13 points, seven rebounds and five assists, and his backcourt mate, Custer, contributed 12 points, hitting four threes, three caroms, three assists and two steals.
• Loyola held Indiana State to 8.3 percent (1-for-12) shooting from three-point territory and limited its fourth straight opponent to fewer than 50 points.
• For the fourth time this season and third time in the last four outings, the Ramblers dished out at least 20 assists.
• Tyreke Key paced the Sycamores with a game-high 21 points.

 
Up Next
Loyola visits Drake Saturday (Jan. 5) at 2 p.m.