Davidson delivered a resounding 84-64 victory over Loyola University Chicago at John M. Belk Arena, surpassing the predicted margin of 10 points. The Wildcats' impressive performance was fueled by a balanced attack, with Roberts Blums pacing the team with 16 points. Blums was one of three Davidson players to score in double figures, as Parker Friedrichsen and Josh Scovens added 15 and 14 points, respectively.
The game got off to a one-sided start, with Davidson racing out to a 47-29 halftime lead. Loyola Chicago struggled to find its rhythm, shooting just 36% from the field in the first half. Miles Rubin, who finished with a team-high 17 points and 7 rebounds for Loyola Chicago, was the lone bright spot for the Ramblers in the opening period. Despite Rubin's efforts, Loyola Chicago was unable to stem the tide, as Davidson's offense continued to click in the second half.
Davidson's 47-point first half set the tone for the game, and the Wildcats never looked back. They maintained a comfortable lead throughout the second half, with their advantage never dipping below 15 points. The Wildcats' ability to share the ball and find open shooters was a key factor in their success, as they assisted on 18 of their 31 field goals.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Davidson winning by 10 points, and while the Wildcats exceeded that margin, the outcome was never truly in doubt. The 20-point victory was a reflection of Davidson's depth and cohesion, as they improved to 14-9 on the season.
For Loyola Chicago, the loss drops them to 6-19, and they want to regroup and refocus as they continue their season. Despite the defeat, Rubin's performance was a positive takeaway, as he continues to be a bright spot for the Ramblers.
In terms of tournament implications, this result has significant resume implications for both teams. For Davidson, the win is classified as a Quadrant 4 victory, which may not carry significant weight in the eyes of the selection committee. However, the convincing nature of the win should still be viewed as a positive, as it demonstrates the Wildcats' ability to take care of business against lesser opponents. For Loyola Chicago, the loss is a Quadrant 2 defeat, which may not be overly damaging, but it does little to enhance their tournament profile. As the season enters its final stretch, both teams want to build on this result and make a push for postseason play.