Loyola Chicago is headed to Indianapolis. Behind Miles Rubin’s game-high 18 points, the Ramblers defeated Kent State 72-62 in the NIT quarterfinal at Gentile Arena. Loyola improved to 25-11 while Rob Senderoff’s Golden Flashes finished the season at 24-12.
Possessions: 66
Offensive Efficiency: LUC 109, Kent State 94
Four Factors:
eFG Pct.- LUC 53, Kent State 41
FT Rate- Kent State 41, LUC 27
OREB Pct.- Kent State 26, LUC 24
TO Rate- LUC 11, Kent state 17
Points of Emphasis:
The game had seven ties and lead changes before the host Ramblers went on a run, opening a 19-point lead with eight minutes remaining. Loyola then went on a scoring drought for nearly six minutes. Kent State utilized the opportunity to get back within three possessions. Rubin answered with five consecutive points to regain the separation and the Ramblers were not threatened thereafter.
Opportunity. Loyola, like several other schools, felt they deserved to be in the ‘Big Dance’. “I truly believe we were an NCAA Tournament team,” Loyola coach Drew Valentine told loyolaramblers.com. “You’re seeing it all now. This team is one we’re truly proud of.”
Teams not getting on the board Selection Sunday can respond in one of two ways. Let the disappointment affect their readiness for postseason play that may come their way or seize the moment and make the best of that tournament they may be selected for. Loyola chose the latter route and the results are proof.
Triple threat. An encouraging sign for Loyola and a concern for the opposition is their versatility. In the three NIT games, each contest had a different player step up. In the first round victory over San Jose State, Dez Watson led the way with 24 points. The second round at San Francisco saw Jayden Dawson score 35 and in the quarterfinal victory over Kent State, Miles Rubin led the way with 18.
No place like home. After the first two rounds being contested on the west coast, Loyola returned to the friendly confines of a packed and electric Gentile Arena. “The energy in our arena was through the roof,” Valentine commented. “Our students show up and they’re awesome…Tonight was just a great environment.
Notes: Kent State was led by Jalen Sullinger with 12 points. Loyola shot 46% from the field, 29% from three. Kent State checked in at 37 % while also hitting 29% from downtown.
Rebounding battle was even at 34 with Kent State enjoying a 9-8 edge on the offensive glass.
Ramblers showed a decisive 36-24 advantage on points in the paint.
Loyola is back in the NIT semifinals for the first time since 1962. The Ramblers will face Chattanooga on April 1st. The semis and finals will be contested at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse on the Butler University campus.
Kent State reached the quarterfinals for the third time in program history. The Mid American Conference representatives also reached the quarterfinals in 2001 and 2011.
