CHICAGO (December 16, 2019) - Loyola looks to extend its win streak to five games when it faces Southeastern Conference rival Vanderbilt Wednesday in Phoenix in a Basketball Hall of Fame Showcase contest. The Ramblers have picked up at least one victory over a Power Conference opponent in five of the last seven seasons and under head coach Porter Moser own seven wins over Power 5 conference foes. 

The Ramblers' current four-game win streak is their longest since a magical 14-game run in 2017-18 that helped them reach the NCAA Final Four. Loyola has been finishing strong, shooting 61.2 percent (30-for-49) from the field and 50 percent (7-for-14) from beyond the arc, in the second half in its last pair of outings.

Over the last three outings, the Ramblers have yielded a mere 54.0 ppg and forced 20.7 turnovers per game, while limiting opponents to 36.6 percent (56-for-153) shooting from the field, including 32.5 percent (27-for-83) from three-point range. Through the first eight contests of the 2019-20 campaign, during which it went 4-4, Loyola allowed 66.1 ppg as its opponents connected on 44.3 percent (190-for-428) from the field and 38.7 percent (65-for-168) from behind the arc. Loyola has not allowed more than 66 points in each of its last seven contests and when the Ramblers surrender 70 or more points this season, they are 0-2.

Loyola – Vanderbilt – The Series

Loyola and Vanderbilt are meeting for the fourth time, and first in 74 years, in a series that traces its roots to 1926. In the last meeting between the programs, the Ramblers emerged victorious, 25-22, on December 30, 1935.

The Ramblers have fared well against the Southeastern Conference, winning four of their last five games against SEC foes, including decisions over No. 5 Florida (65-59) and No. 13 Tennessee (63-62 in the NCAA Tournament) during the 2017-18 season. All time, Loyola is 15-16 (.484) versus current members of the SEC.

Scouting Vanderbilt

Under first-year head coach and former North Carolina and NBA standout Jerry Stackhouse, Vanderbilt won five of its first six contests but has dropped two of its last three, including a 61-56 setback versus Liberty on December 14.

Sophomore forward Aaron Nesmith has been one of the top scorers in the nation so far this year, averaging 22.3 points per game, while connecting on 50.7 percent (68-for-134) of his field goal attempts and 48.7 percent (37-for-76) of his triple tries. Junior guard Saben Lee, a Phoenix native, adds 17.2 ppg and 5.7 apg, while freshman guard Scotty Pippen Jr. puts up 10.2 ppg and 4.7 apg.

Vanderbilt's offense has been high powered, scoring 90 or more points on four occasions this season. However, the Commodores are mustering just 68.0 ppg in their last three games, including 57.0 ppg in their last two losses.

Up Next

Loyola plays its final nonconference contest of 2019 when it hosts Davidson December 22 at 2 p.m. CT.