Feb. 20, 2008

Box Score |  Quotes

CHICAGO - Darrin Williams and Justin Cerasoli each tallied 19 points and Loyola University Chicago (10-16, 6-10 Horizon) outrebounded Valparaiso (15-12, 6-9 Horizon), 44-29, en route to a 68-61 victory at the Gentile Center on Senior Night this evening. The victory snaps a three-game losing skid for the Ramblers, who had dropped those contests by a collective 12 points, and sends the senior class out in style.

Jarryd Loyd's three-pointer with 6:52 left in the first half gave the visiting Crusaders their largest lead of the night, at 23-14. Cerasoli ignited Loyola's comeback that closed out the period, hitting three three-pointers as part of a 19-5 run that gave the Ramblers a 33-28 lead at the break. Cerasoli tallied 11 points and added a pair of blocks and three steals off the bench in the opening 20 minutes.

J.R. Blount's three-point play with 12:34 remaining put Loyola on top 51-43, but Valparaiso used a 17-6 run over the next nine minutes to take a 60-57 lead. From there, Williams took over, scoring the Ramblers' next six points, four from the foul line, and blocking a shot as the hosts reclaimed the lead, 63-60 and held on for the victory.

Williams' 19-point effort is the second-best output of his career, eclipsed only by a 21-point performance at Cleveland State earlier this season. He also added seven rebounds and three blocks, while Cerasoli notched 19 points, seven boards, two blocks and four steals off the bench. Blount finished with 16 points, four boards and four assists and Andy Polka snagged 10 rebounds to reach double digits for the fourth time in the last nine contests.

Valparaiso received 15 points and 10 boards from Urule Igbavboa.

Loyola steps out of League action when it travels to William & Mary on Saturday, Feb. 23.