CHICAGO, Ill. (February 22, 2023)
 
In Short…
Four Ramblers scored in double figures, led by Philip Alston's team-high 15 points as Loyola University Chicago (8-14, 2-8 A-10) dropped an 81-62 decision at Saint Louis Saturday afternoon.
 
Ben Schwieger added 12 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a block while Braden Norris and Tom Welch each scored 11 for Loyola. Saint Louis used a 14-4 to end the first half to build a 16-point lead and kept the Ramblers at distance over the final 20 minutes.
 
How It Happened
Despite limiting Saint Louis to just 27% shooting and shooting 45% on the offensive end, Loyola faced an early 12-11 deficit just over eight minutes into the game. Saint Louis' lead would grow to 15-11 on an 8-0 Billiken run before Braden Norris knocked down a triple to pull the Ramblers within one at the midway point of the opening half.
 
The Billikens built their largest lead of the half with a 10-2 run to take a 28-18 lead with 5:15 to play before back-to-back buckets by Philip Alston and Ben Schwieger pulled the Ramblers back within six. The momentum wouldn't last for long, as Saint Louis would end the half on a 14-4 run to take a 242-26 lead into the halftime break.
 
A 6-0 Loyola run midway through the second half pulled the Ramblers within 11 midway through the second half. Alston knocked down a pair of free throws to open the run before a Tom Welch layup and Schwieger jumper made it 58-47 with 9:41 to go.
 
The 11-point deficit was the closest Loyola would get in the second half, as Saint Louis would maintain a double-digit lead for the remainder of the game.
 
Inside The Box Score

•  Schwieger reached double figures for the second consecutive game with his 12 points. His six made field goals are tied for the third-most for Schwieger this season.
• Philip Alston reached double figures for the fifth game in a row with his team-high 15 points. Alston has now scored 10 or more points in all but five games this season.
• Welch's 11 points were his most since scoring 16 against St. Bonaventure on Jan. 21.
   

Up Next
Loyola returns home for the Ramblers' final home game of the season on Wednesday, March 1 when Loyola plays host to Rhode Island. Tip-off inside Gentile Arena is set for 8 p.m. on CBS Sports Network.