“Grit” is a theme for Loyola Chicago Basketball
Loyola’s depth is impressive. While five players, Hutson, Lucas Williamson, Braden Norris, Marquise Kennedy, and Aher Uguak have started all seven games, Ryan Schwieger is the team’s leading scorer (11.3 ppg) and Tate Hall is the squad’s leading rebounder (six per game).
Nine Ramblers average double digits in minutes played, but it is the grit with which those players play is what matters.
LUC was down 9-0 to Michigan State when Hall entered the game and turned it around with grit, rebounding, and steals. The senior role-player collected four steals and six rebounds.
Williamson’s ability to shut down the opponent’s top scorer is all about defensive passion and grit. The Valley’s Defensive Player of the Year held ASU’s leading scorer (Kimani Lawrence) to two points and a one for six shooting performance.
Eleven team steals against Michigan State kept them close to the powerful Spartans. The ability to shut down the opposition’s long-range game kept them close to Auburn and was one of the key reasons for their victory over Arizona State.
During the three ‘Battle’ games, the Ramblers averaged over 14 points off turnovers and over 11 second-chance points per game. These critical points are all about team grit.
Marquise Kennedy’s courageous attacking taller players at the rim creates scoring opportunities for others and for himself. The 6’1 guard is shooting .538 from the field because he goes to ‘the dirty areas’ to get his shots.