HONOLULU – Loyola Chicago dropped its final game of the Diamond Head Classic to Murray State, 71-68. The Ramblers shot over 62 percent from the field (25-of-40) and were led by Miles Rubin who dropped 16 points on 7-of-7.
 
With the loss, Loyola falls to 9-4 overall.
 
How It Happened
Loyola's shooting was hot from the start, opening the game 12-of-13. The Ramblers finished the half 13-of-17 from the field. Murray State put the first points on the board before Loyola rallied with six straight from Jalen Quinn and Jalen DeLoach. Shots continued to fall as the Ramblers put seven unanswered points on the board to go up 20-12 midway through. Sheldon Edwards Jr. capitalized on a Racer turnover with a three to go up eight.
 
The Racers clawed back in, forcing a tie with just under 5:30 to play, while Kylen Milton's three swung the lead in their favor 40 seconds later. The final four minutes saw three more ties forced by MSU, but Caleb Reese hit a pull-up jumper in the final seconds, helping Loyola to a 36-34 lead at the break.
 
The Ramblers run continued into the second half with nine more unanswered points. Edwards Jr. sparked the offense with a three, while Rubin put up back-to-back alley-oop dunks for Loyola largest lead yet, 45-34. The Racers were scoreless in the first three minutes, but found the net at the 16:52 mark and slowly made their way back into the mix.
 
Loyola's lead was cut to one twice before Murray State sank a second-chance three with 4:54 to play. The Ramblers would get one more lead off a pair of free throws from Edwards Jr. a minute later, but late foul calling and turnovers helped the Racers come away with the win, 71-68.
 
Inside the Box Score
- Rubin finished with 16 points (7-7 FG, 2-2 FT), two rebounds, two assists, one steal and three blocks.
- Des Watson added 12 points (3-6 FG, 2-4 3PT, 4-4 FT), five rebounds, and one assist.
- Edwards Jr. scored 10 points and recorded two assists and two steals.
- Reese matched his career-high eight points.
- The Ramblers shot a season-high 62.5 percent from the field (25-40).
- Loyola's bench led by 10 (22-12), and the Ramblers outscored the Racers in the paint, 40-24.
 
Up Next
The Ramblers return to Chicago Jan. 4. Loyola opens the Atlantic 10 slate with VCU at 1 p.m. on CBS Sports Network.