Loyola Edges UIC, 66-62

Box Score

March 2, 2007

DAYTON, Ohio - Blake Schilb scored a game-high 31 points to power third-seeded Loyola University Chicago (21-10) to a 66-62 victory over sixth-seeded Illinois-Chicago tonight at the Nutter Center in a second round game at the Horizon League Tournament. Loyola advances to tomorrow's semifinal round where it will face No. 2 seed at 18th-ranked Butler (26-5).

UIC scored the first five points of the game and led by as many as seven points in the first half. Trailing 28-21 with 4:59 left in the period, the Ramblers shook off the slow start and went on a 14-2 run over the next three-plus minutes to seize a 35-30 lead and took a 39-34 lead into the break.

Loyola led 49-44 with 8:39 left but three straight baskets, capped by a three-pointer from Schilb, stretched the advantage to 56-44. Much like last Saturday's meeting between the teams, the Flames rallied late and sliced the Loyola lead to 62-60 with 43 seconds remaining. But Schilb came up big when the Ramblers needed him most, converting a conventional three-point play, hitting a tough jumper from the baseline and then draining the ensuing free throw after drawing the fifth foul on Othyus Jeffers.

In addition to the 31 points, Schilb hauled in eight rebounds and added two steals, a block and an assist. Andy Polka tallied seven points and corralled a season-high 12 rebounds as Loyola owned a commanding 40-26 advantage on the boards.