Missouri Valley Basketball Monday: Murray State in, Northern Iowa excels

Ramblers continue to impress

When Loyola went on its 2018 Final Four run, they routinely fell behind early in games, but their relentless defense and superior depth would wear down their opponents and the Ramblers would win in the end.

LUC put that script to work last week in a non-conference game with San Francisco and during their home contest against Bradley. The Ramblers Quad One win over the Dons (NET 35) catapulted Loyola back into the national conversation.

Saturday they faced a 16-point, second-half deficit only to force overtime and win the game on their home floor. LUC has won 29 straight games at Gentile Arena. Loyola star Lucas Williamson scored all of his season-high 20 points during the game’s pivotal second half and ten in the overtime period.

LUC’s depth is extraordinary. Three players, Ryan Schwieger, Williamson, and Aher Uguak average double-figure scoring, and four other players score more than seven points per game. Two-time all-bench team member Marquise Kennedy and former Valley third-team member Tate Hall come off Drew Valentine’s bench. So does leading scorer Ryan Schwieger. The Valley’s leader in field goal percentage, Chris Knight is a substitute too.

This team is deep. Only point guard Braden Norris plays as much as 30 minutes per game. With four ‘super seniors’ in the rotation, this time does not get rattled. Since Williamson has been at Loyola the Ramblers have a record of 111-and-38.