The Fordham Rams, led by Dejour Reaves' 24 points and 7 rebounds, held off a late surge by the Loyola University Chicago Ramblers to secure a 62-59 win at Rose Hill Gym. This victory marked Fordham's 15th win of the season, improving their record to 15-12, while Loyola Chicago fell to 6-21. Fordham's recent trend of averaging 68.6 points per game over their last 5 contests was halted, as they scored 62 points, 6.6 below their average. In the first half, Fordham dominated, taking a 33-21 lead into the break, with Reaves scoring 14 of his 24 points in the opening 20 minutes. Loyola Chicago, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm, shooting just 8-24 from the field in the first half, including 2-10 from beyond the arc.
As the second half got underway, Loyola Chicago began to find their footing, outscoring Fordham 38-29 in the final 20 minutes. Xavier Amos, who finished with 19 points and 8 rebounds, led the charge for the Ramblers, scoring 12 of his points in the second half. Despite the improved play, Loyola Chicago was unable to overcome the deficit, falling short by 3 points. Fordham's Abass Bodija, who chipped in with 9 points and 10 rebounds, played a crucial role in the win, grabbing 7 of his rebounds in the second half. The Rams' Christian Henry also contributed, scoring 10 points and grabbing 6 rebounds, including 4 in the second half. With 5 minutes remaining, Fordham held a 10-point lead, but Loyola Chicago went on a 10-2 run, cutting the deficit to 2 points with just over 1 minute left. However, Fordham's Reaves hit a clutch jumper with 45 seconds remaining, putting the Rams up by 4 and essentially sealing the win.
Fordham's Dejour Reaves Scores 24 Points in Win Over Loyola Chicago
Reaves' performance was the difference-maker in this game, as he hit several big shots, including the aforementioned jumper with 45 seconds left. Amos, on the other hand, was a force to be reckoned with for Loyola Chicago, but his efforts were not enough to overcome the deficit. Miles Rubin, who scored 14 points for the Ramblers, had a solid game, but his 4-12 shooting from the field was not enough to propel his team to victory. Kayde Dotson, who chipped in with 9 points for Loyola Chicago, was relatively quiet, scoring just 2 points in the second half. Fordham's Bodija did the dirty work, grabbing 10 rebounds and providing a much-needed presence in the paint. With 10 minutes remaining, Fordham's Henry hit a crucial three-pointer, putting the Rams up by 12 points, and although Loyola Chicago made a late push, they were unable to overcome the deficit.
The CHD Scout prediction of Fordham by 14.9 points was correct, but the actual margin of victory was much closer, at just 3 points.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
The prediction was correct, but the margin was off, due in part to Loyola Chicago's improved play in the second half. Fordham's defense, which allowed just 21 points in the first half, was a key factor in the win, holding Loyola Chicago to 38.5% shooting from the field for the game. The Rams' recent trend of outscoring opponents by 3.0 points per game over their last 5 contests was continued, albeit barely, as they outscored Loyola Chicago by just 3 points. Fordham's ability to limit Loyola Chicago's scoring opportunities, particularly in the first half, was a major factor in their win. With 12 minutes remaining, Fordham's defense held Loyola Chicago scoreless for a 4-minute stretch, allowing the Rams to build a 12-point lead.
This win for Fordham, a Quadrant 4 game, does not significantly impact their tournament resume, but it does keep them on track for a potential postseason bid. The Rams' current NET ranking of 179 is not ideal, but they have shown improvement in recent weeks, going 3-2 over their last 5 games. Loyola Chicago, on the other hand, is all but eliminated from tournament contention, with a NET ranking of 312 and a 1-4 record over their last 5 games. The Ramblers' recent trend of being outscored by 14.4 points per game over their last 5 contests continued, as they were outscored by 3 points in this game. With 8 minutes remaining, Loyola Chicago's Amos hit a crucial three-pointer, cutting the deficit to 6 points, but Fordham's Reaves responded with a jumper of his own, putting the Rams up by 8.
This win does not significantly alter Fordham's tournament picture, but it does keep them in the conversation for a potential postseason bid. The Rams' NET ranking of 179 is still a ways off from being considered a lock for the tournament, but they have shown improvement in recent weeks. Loyola Chicago, on the other hand, is likely relegated to the bottom of the bracket, if they are fortunate enough to receive a bid. The Ramblers' Quadrant 3 loss does not help their cause, and their recent trend of poor play has all but eliminated them from tournament contention. With 2 minutes remaining, Fordham's Bodija grabbed a crucial rebound, allowing the Rams to maintain possession and essentially seal the win. Fordham's ability to close out the game, despite Loyola Chicago's late push, was a major factor in their win.
In the end, Fordham's win over Loyola Chicago was a hard-fought victory, one that keeps them on track for a potential postseason bid. While the Rams' tournament resume is still a work in progress, they have shown improvement in recent weeks, and this win is a step in the right direction. Loyola Chicago, on the other hand, is likely facing a long offseason, as they try to regroup and rebuild for next season. With 1 minute remaining, Fordham's Reaves hit a pair of free throws, putting the Rams up by 4 points and essentially sealing the win. The Rams' ability to close out the game, despite Loyola Chicago's late push, was a major factor in their win, and it matters for them to continue to show this ability in their remaining games. Fordham's win over Loyola Chicago was a crucial one, as it keeps them on track for a potential postseason bid, and it will be interesting to see how they perform in their remaining games.