CHICAGO (March 6, 2019) – Loyola University Chicago freshman guard Cooper Kaifes (Shawnee, Kan./Mill Valley) has been selected to the Missouri Valley Conference All-Bench Team it was announced today, marking the third consecutive season the Ramblers have placed someone on that squad, following Lucas Williamson in 2017-18 and Aundre Jackson in 2016-17.
 
Voting for the MVC All-Bench Team was done by the league's newspaper beat writers. 
 
Kaifes made an immediate splash, coming off the bench in his collegiate debut to record a season-high 19 points, hitting five three-pointers, in Loyola's 76-45 opening-night victory over UMKC November 6. That output was the best by a Rambler freshman in a season opener since 2002.
 
The 6-foot-3 marksman has shot 45.7 percent (48-for-105) from three-point range in 31 games this season, averaging 5.6 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists per contest. He has produced seven double-digit-scoring performances and netted 11 points against No. 5 Nevada. When Kaifes has been on point from long range, Loyola has benefited, posting an 11-3 record this season when he knocks down two or more three-pointers and going 5-1 when he drains three or more treys.
 
Yesterday, Kaifes was named to the MVC All-Freshman Team. 
 
No. 1 seed Loyola opens up play at the MVC Championship Friday at noon when it takes on either Indiana State or Valparaiso.
 
The complete list of MVC All-Bench Team and MVC Most-Improved Team members follows.
 
MVC All-Bench Team
Dainius Chatkevicius, Evansville
Spencer Haldeman, UNI
Cooper Kaifes, Loyola
Nate Kennell, Bradley
Anthony Murphy, Drake
 
MVC Most-Improved Team
Elijah Childs, Bradley
Tyreke Key, Indiana State
Luke McDonnell, UNI
Nick McGlynn, Drake
K.J. Riley, Evansville
Derrik Smits, Valparaiso