PALM SPRINGS – The Ramblers and Panthers met for the first time since Loyola Chicago left the MVC to open the Acrisure Series in Palm Springs. UNI took a 72-51 win over Loyola. The Ramblers will take on San Jose State to wrap up this week's play at 1 p.m. CT on Wednesday.
 
The Ramblers fall to 1-6 overall.
 
How It Happened
The Ramblers got off to a slow start Tuesday and let the Panthers open on a 9-1 run through the first media timeout. UNI's first five points came unanswered before Deywilk Tavarez got Loyola on the board at the line. Chuck Love III sank Loyola's first field goal from three and 13:24, but UNI pushed its lead to 17 with threes on three straight possessions, 18-7.
 
Justin Moore scored four straight for the Ramblers. His jumper with 8:54 to play cut UNI's lead down to 13, which was the closest Loyola would get during the remainder of the game. Nic Anderson drained a three with 4:16 to go, getting within 14, but it was the final spark for Loyola. UNI took a 45-26 lead at halftime after a three at the buzzer.
 
The Panthers opened the second half on a 7-0 run that helped push their lead north of 20. Miles Rubin and Moore cut it down to 20 twice, but the Ramblers couldn't find their rhythm to make a dent in the lead. The Panthers came away with the win, 72-51.
 
Inside the Box Score
- This marks the first game of the season Loyola didn't have a double-figure scorer.
- Tavarez led Loyola with nine points. Rubin, Moore, and Kayde Dotson had seven each.
- Loyola won the rebounding battle, 43-32.
- Moore had a team-high seven rebounds, while Dotson dished out a team-best four assists.
- Rubin had two blocks and a steal.
- The Ramblers shot 29.8 percent from the field, while the Panthers shot 45.5 percent.
 
Up Next
Loyola will take on San Jose State Wednesday at 1 p.m. CT.