“Loser’s Limp” Hits URI in Loss to Loyola Chicago

Rhode Island kept the game in contention, but ultimately fell 77-67 to the Loyola Chicago Ramblers on Sunday afternoon at The Ryan Center.

After a back-and-forth first half, the Ramblers led for the entirety of the closing 20 minutes to put the game away. A sluggish start to the second half allowed the visitors to stretch their lead to as much as 13 and Rhode Island (11-14, 5-7 Atlantic 10) was never able to recover.

The Rams started off the game with momentum, leading from the opening tip until a 12-2 run put Loyola Chicago (19-7, 11-2 A-10) ahead with just under 10 minutes to go. A layup from Brandon Weston later knotted things up at 29-29 with 3:11 on the clock, but the Ramblers went on to take a 35-29 lead into the break.

Loyola kicked off the second half with a quick six points, distancing themselves further from Rhody. The home team clawed its way back, eventually cutting the lead down to six (51-45) when Brandon Weston made a layup and completed the three-point play at the free throw line with 12 minutes left in the game. Zek Montgomery added a basket just a minute later but it was the closest the Rams got as the Ramblers regained a sizeable advantage and held on.

A last-minute three from Des Watson handed Loyola Chicago its final 10-point edge as the clock wound down.

Inside the Box Score
Guard Brandon Weston led the Rams with 15 points, just two shy of his career high. He matched his personal best in rebounds with six and dished out three assists.
Both he and guard Cam Estevez were nearly perfect from the free throw line, as Weston shot 5-of-6 and Estevez finished 3-for-4.
He was joined in the double digits by guard Jaden House (14 points) and forward David Fuchs (13 points).
Rhode Island turned the ball over just eight times, tying its second-lowest of the season.
Guard Zek Montgomery recorded a career-high three blocks.
The Ramblers had a stark advantage on the glass at 43-28. Rhode Island tied its effort from the game against Washington State (Nov. 19) for a season-low.
In the first half, the lead was split fairly evenly between the teams at about eight minutes per side. Loyola Chicago went on to finish by leading by 28:24 in total.
Both sides scored 40 points in the paint.
The Ramblers entered the day with a five-game win streak and stretched it to six in the second meeting between the two programs. A year ago, Rhody dug out a 79-77 win in Chicago.
What’s Next
The Rams will continue their home swing with a game against Richmond on Wednesday, Feb. 21. The action will tip at 7 p.m. and be streamed on ESPN+.