In a shocking turn of events, Loyola Chicago pulled off a stunning 10-point upset over La Salle, 71-61, at the Gentile Arena. This outcome is all the more remarkable considering La Salle's significantly higher net ranking, with the Explorers sitting at 238 compared to Loyola Chicago's 315. The Ramblers' victory is a reflection of their determination and resilience, and it will undoubtedly send shockwaves through the college basketball world.
Joshua Ola-Joseph led the charge for Loyola Chicago, scoring 16 points to pace the team. He was ably supported by Justin Moore, who chipped in with 12 points, and Kayde Dotson, who added 11 points to the tally. On the other side, Jaeden Marshall was the standout performer for La Salle, scoring a game-high 18 points. Jaden Johnson also had a notable outing, contributing 16 points and 8 assists, while Ashton Walker pulled down 8 rebounds to go along with his 10 points.
The game was closely contested in the first half, with both teams deadlocked at 30-30. However, Loyola Chicago gained momentum in the second half, outscoring La Salle 41-31 to seal the win. This decisive victory is a significant boost to the Ramblers' tournament hopes, and it will be interesting to see how they build on this momentum.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
Before the game, CHD Scout predicted a narrow Loyola Chicago victory, with a margin of 2.5 points. While the predicted winner was correct, the actual margin of victory was much wider than anticipated. The Ramblers' 10-point win is a resounding statement, and it will likely lead to a reevaluation of their tournament chances.
The implications of this result are significant, particularly in terms of resume-building for both teams. For Loyola Chicago, this win is a Quad 4 victory, which may not carry significant weight in the tournament selection committee's eyes. However, it is still a much-needed win for a team that has struggled to find consistency this season. On the other hand, La Salle's loss is also a Quad 4 defeat, which could hurt their already slim tournament hopes.
As the season enters its final stretch, Loyola Chicago's upset win over La Salle will be remembered as a pivotal moment. The Ramblers have shown that they are capable of beating teams above them in the rankings, and this victory will undoubtedly give them a confidence boost. While the tournament selection committee may not look favorably upon this win due to its Quad 4 designation, it is still a significant achievement for a team that has faced numerous challenges this season. For La Salle, this loss is a setback, but they must regroup and refocus if they hope to make a late push for tournament consideration.