Feb. 9, 2008

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CHICAGO - Loyola University Chicago (9-14, 5-8 Horizon) was unable to overcome a slow start and despite a second-half rally, came up on the short end of a 60-55 decision to city rival UIC (13-10, 7-5 Horizon) tonight at the Gentile Center. The loss snaps the Ramblers' three-game winning streak. Although there were only 15 turnovers combined in the contest, the game was a defensive struggle as neither team shot 40 percent from the field.

The Ramblers, who shot only 26 percent from the field in the first half, led 7-5 early in the game, but the Flames used an 11-2 run to open up a 16-9 advantage that would grow to as many as 11 points in the opening period. UIC's bench provided a huge lift in the first 20 minutes, scoring 20 of the team's 28 points.

Loyola opened the second half with an 8-2 run that brought it within five points. After UIC built the lead back to 10 points (43-33), the Ramblers rattled off seven unanswered points, four by Leon Young, to cut the Flames' lead to 43-40.

An Andy Polka lay-up with 3:09 left brought Loyola within three points again, but Spencer Stewart buried a three-pointer to give UIC a six-point edge and the Ramblers would get no closer than four points the remainder of the way.

Young, who was playing in his first game since Jan. 19, scored a team-high 12 points off the bench to lead Loyola. Tracy Robinson and Justin Cerasoli each added nine points and five rebounds for the Ramblers. Josh Mayo led UIC with a game-high 21 points, while Scott VanderMeer snagged 14 rebounds.

Loyola is back in action Feb. 14 when it travels to Wright State.