KANSAS CITY – The Ramblers rallied late in the second half with a 14-2 run to win the consolation game of the 2023 Hall of Fame Classic over Boston College, 71-68.
Braden Norris dropped a season-high 20 points (5-9 FG, 5-7 3PT, 5-6 FT) and clinched the Thanksgiving win at the free throw line for Loyola Chicago.
The Ramblers shot over 41 percent from the field and knocked down a season-high 13 threes.
Loyola improves to 3-3 on the year.
"I'm really proud of this group," said head coach
Drew Valentine. "When you win a game like this and are still trying to figure things out, it generates so much confidence. So many guys stepped up down the stretch. I'm extremely proud of the way they stayed together and believed."
How It Happened
The Eagles took off to a 7-2 lead less than three minutes into Thursday's matinee, but the Ramblers responded with a 10-0 run swinging momentum in their favor.
Greg Dolan scored the final five points of the stretch, including a three at the 13:31 mark for a 12-9 edge.
Loyola still controlled the game by the eight-minute media mark with a three from Norris ahead of the break. Quinten Post drove in for a layup to tie the game 20-20 with 6:28 to play. The Ramblers didn't let the Eagles get ahead and built their lead to eight on a
Jalen Quinn jumper. Chas Kelley hit the final shot of the half, but Loyola led, 35-30.
Boston College came out of halftime fighting to tie the game 36-36 in the first two minutes. Loyola held on until Kelley's three at the 12:13 mark knotted the game again, 49-49. BCU went to work building their lead to nine with 3:53 on the clock, but the Ramblers didn't give up closing the game on a 14-2 run.
Miles Rubin sparked the run with a layup inside. He was one of three Ramblers to score in the stretch.
Des Watson's three with 1:50 to go tied the game 66-66 forcing a timeout by the Eagles. Out of the break, Rubin and Norris scored four straight points for a Loyola advantage. Norris's free throws would secure the game. Ramblers won, 71-68.
Inside the Box Score
- Dawson scored a career-high 14 points and reached double-figures for the first time as a Rambler. He was 4-of-8 from three.
- Dawson added three rebounds, one assist, and three steals.
- Norris dropped a season-high 20 points. It's his second straight double-figure scoring performance.
- Norris grabbed seven rebounds, matching his season-high. He also tallied four assists.
- Loyola's bench outscored BCU's, 33-12.
Up Next
The Ramblers return to Gentile Arena next week. Loyola will play Chicago State on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 7 p.m.
