Jan. 24, 2008

Box Score

INDIANAPOLIS - J.R. Blount tallied 16 points and Andy Polka recorded his second double-double of the year, but it wasn't enough as Loyola University Chicago (6-13, 2-7 Horizon) dropped a 63-50 decision at No. 15 Butler (18-2, 7-2 Horizon) tonight at Hinkle Fieldhouse. The Bulldogs used a 15-2 run midway through the first half to seize control of the game and never look back.

Three different players scored to help the Ramblers take an early 9-8 lead that was punctuated by a Tom Levin driving lay-up. After Butler scored the next five points, Blount buried a three-pointer to bring Loyola within a point, 13-12. Mike Green's lay-up began a 15-2 Butler run over the next seven minutes as the hosts seized control of the contest and took a 32-23 lead at halftime.

Drew Streicher opened the second half with an alley-oop dunk, but Blount scored four of the next six points for Loyola to bring the upset-minded Ramblers within five points (34-29). Pete Campbell buried a long three-pointer and Matt Howard scored a bucket to give the Bulldogs a double-digit lead and from there, Loyola got no closer than seven points the rest of the way.

Polka recorded his second double-double of the year by registering 13 points and 10 rebounds this evening. Howard and Campbell each pumped in 15 points, while Howard also grabbed 10 boards, to lead Butler.

Loyola looks to get back on track when it travels to Horizon League newcomer Valparaiso Saturday night.