CHICAGO (December 28, 2020)
 
In Short
Cameron Krutwig posted 22 points, nine rebounds and seven assists and Loyola University Chicago (6-2, 2-0 MVC) out-scored Illinois State (3-5, 0-2 MVC), 48-12, in the paint, to cruise to an 86-55 victory this evening at Gentile Arena. With the win, the Ramblers ran their home court winning streak to 14 games. This is the third straight season Loyola has opened Missouri Valley Conference play at 2-0.
 
Coach Moser's Thoughts
"The back-to-backs are hard. Illinois State was really physical tonight and that was a hard-fought game. I'm pleased we kept our foot on the gas pedal. We took care of the ball, moved the ball and shared the ball. These back-to-backs are going to be mentally and physically challenging all year."
 
How It Happened
Loyola's defense was suffocating early, limiting Illinois State to just 3-for-12 shooting to open the contest and Cameron Krutwig got off to a quick start, scoring eight points and grabbing five rebounds as the Ramblers jumped out to a 13-7 lead they would never relinquish.
 
Leading 21-13, the Ramblers used six points from Aher Uguak, and four more from Krutwig, during a 12-2 run to extend the advantage to 33-15, the largest advantage of the half for the hosts. After Illinois State made a small dent into the Ramblers' lead, cutting the deficit to 33-22, Loyola reeled off seven unanswered points, including a triple from Braden Norris, to take a 40-22 edge into the locker room at halftime.
 
Loyola shot 53.3 percent (16-for-30) from the field in the opening period, posting an assist on 14 of its 16 field goals. Krutwig had his way in the post, scoring 14 points, grabbing eight boards and dishing out four assists.
 
Tate Hall scored the first five points of the second half to boost the Ramblers' edge to 45-22, but Illinois State wouldn't go down without a fight and whittled the Loyola lead down to 14 points on a pair of occasions, the second time coming at 53-39. However, Loyola answered that Redbirds run with eight consecutive points, which included threes from Marquise Kennedy and Lucas Williamson, as part of a 26-13 run that stretched the lead to 79-52 and sealed the win.
 
A Look At The Numbers

• Krutwig connected on 11 of 15 shots from the field and did not commit a turnover on the night.
• Hall put up 16 points, five boards and four assists, while Kennedy came off the bench to pitch in 11 points, six rebounds and a pair of assists to round out Loyola's crop of double-digit scorers.
• The Ramblers continued their torrid shooting at Gentile Arena, knocking down 57.1 percent (32-for-56) of their field goal tries and 42.1 percent (8-for-19) of their attempts from beyond the arc.
• Loyola doled out 24 assists on 32 baskets and turned the ball over just eight times.
• The victory was the Maroon and Gold's 13^thin a row at home against MVC opponents.
• In the two-game set this weekend, the Ramblers' bench tallied 69 points.
• Josiah Strong led Illinois State with 21 points.

 
Up Next
Loyola takes on two-time defending MVC Tournament champion Bradley in a two-game series in Peoria, Ill., January 3 and 4.