CHICAGO – Philip Alston returned to the court in scoring fashion for the Ramblers netting a team-leading 16 points (8-13 FG) to help Loyola Chicago stun Harvard Saturday afternoon, 75-53. Alston was one of three Ramblers in double-figures and also finished with seven boards, two steals, and two blocks.
 
Des Watson added 13 points (5-11 FG, 2-5 3PT, 1-2 FT), while Dame Adelekun scored 12 (6-10 FG).
 
The Ramblers improve their winning streak to three games and sit at 5-3 overall.
 
"Tonight was all about us hitting first and setting the tone," said head coach Drew Valentine. "Our intensity and physicality defensively and our pace offensively were executed really well. I thought we played team basketball, and the stat sheet and the feeling in the arena represented that."
 
How It Happened
The Ramblers shocked the Crimson opening the game on an 8-0 run and holding Harvard without a basket until the 15:22 mark. Alston returned to the line-up and scored the opening points, while three other Ramblers scored in the stretch. Braden Norris extended the lead to double-digits with a three-pointer at the 14:44 mark, while Jayden Dawson built it to 15 with another from deep with just under 13 to play.
 
Loyola's momentum continued with a 9-0 run capped by a second-chance put back by Adelekun near the eight-minute mark. Greg Dolan and Watson connected on back-to-back three-pointers three minutes later for a 22-point edge. Alston gave Loyola its largest lead of the half at 39-15 with a layup at the 2:16 mark. The Crimson chipped away with nine straight points, but the Ramblers led 42-24 at the half.
 
Harvard managed to get back within 13 on a three-pointer from Xavier Nesbitt midway through the second half, but it was the closest Loyola allowed the Crimson to get. Alston tallied two straight baskets inside with three minutes left for a 21-point lead, while Sheldon Edwards hit a transition three two minutes later. Loyola won the game, 75-53.
 
Inside the Box Score
- Alston, Watson, and Adelekun all posted double-figure performances. Alston has two this season, while Watson and Adelekun have six and two, respectively. It's the second straight for Watson.
- Loyola held Harvard to season-lows in points (53), field goals made (13), field goal percentage (.245), three-point field goal percentage (.190), and assists (8).
- Dolan handed out seven assists to lead the game. He added five points and six rebounds.
- Miles Rubin crashed the glass for a career and game-high nine rebounds.
 
Up Next
Loyola hits the road for its first true road game of the 2023-24 season. The Ramblers head to Tulsa to take on the Hurricane Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. CT.