Feb. 16, 2008

Box Score

CHICAGO - Host Detroit (7-18, 3-12 Horizon) connected for seven three-point field goals in the second half to erase a five-point halftime deficit and hang on for a 56-53 victory over Loyola University Chicago (9-16, 5-10 Horizon) this afternoon at Calihan Hall. Along the way, Ramblers junior J.R. Blount moved into sole possession of 30th place on the school's career scoring chart with 1,052 points.

The first half was all Loyola as the visitors held Detroit's offense in check with a gritty defensive effort. A stifling Rambler defense limited the Titans to 18 first-half points on just 6 of 21 (29 percent) shooting, while seven Loyola players scored in the opening 20 minutes. Leon Young's three-point play with 8:56 left in the period gave the Ramblers a 14-8 lead, but the Titans quickly closed to within a point at 14-13. However, a Dave Telander trey and a Tracy Robinson lay-up gave Loyola another six-point cushion and the Ramblers took a 23-18 lead into the locker room at the half.

Four of Detroit's first five baskets of the second half were from beyond the arc, with Jon Goode connecting for three of those triples, the last of which gave the hosts a 35-29 edge. Andy Polka drained a pair of foul shots to even the score at 37-37, but from there, Detroit went on a 12-4 run to open up an eight-point lead which they never relinquished.

Loyola mounted one final charge in the closing minute of the game and Aric Van Weelden, who was making his first career start, drained a three from the top of the key to draw within a point (54-53). After Goode converted a pair of free throws, Blount's three-pointer in the waning seconds came up short and Detroit corralled the rebound to preserve the win.

Polka recorded his fourth career double-double, and third this season, with 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Young chipped in 11 points off the bench. Van Weelden added a career-best nine points in his first career starting assignment.

Goode scored a game-high 23 points, 18 in the second half, to lead Detroit.

Loyola closes out the home portion of the regular season on Feb. 20 when it hosts Valparaiso. The Ramblers will hold the annual Senior Night ceremony just prior to tip-off.