Loyola Snaps Six-Game Losing Streak with Impressive Victory Over No. 15 Butler

Strategic Insights -

The Loyola Ramblers finally broke their six-game losing streak, handing No. 15 Butler a 71-67 defeat on Sunday. Freshman Jordan Hicks was the key player behind the win, scoring a career-high 23 points and grabbing a career-best 8 rebounds. Hicks' impressive performance came after setting a new career high of 14 points just a week earlier in a game against Wright State.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jordan Hicks scored a career-high 23 points and grabbed a career-best 8 rebounds in Loyola's 71-67 victory over No. 15 Butler.
  • Hicks has now set a new career high in points for the second time in a week, following 14 points against Wright State.
  • Loyola took advantage of Butler's early poor shooting and repeated turnovers, building a 34-16 lead with under two minutes left in the first half.
  • Justin Cerasoli hit 2 free throws with four seconds remaining to seal the win, bringing the Ramblers' record to 13-15, 5-11 Horizon League.
  • The loss prevented the Bulldogs (22-3, 13-2) from clinching at least a share of their third straight regular-season conference championship.
  • Loyola coach Jim Whitesell attributed the win to the team's resilience after a disappointing game at Valparaiso the previous night and Butler's slight off-day.

Statistics:

  • Jordan Hicks scored 23 points, the most by a Loyola player in the current season.
  • Hicks grabbed 8 rebounds, the most by a Loyola player in the current season.
  • Butler shot 37.3% from the field, their lowest percentage of the season.
  • Loyola led by as many as 18 points in the first half and never trailed in the second.

Sources:

  • Associated Press, "Ramblers snap six-game skid, top No. 15 Butler 71-67"
  • Loyola Ramblers vs. Butler Bulldogs box score