Mayo Scores 17 Points To Lead Flames Into Horizon League Semis

March 7, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS (AP)--Josh Mayo scored 12 of his 17 points in the decisive second half as Illinois-Chicago defeated Loyola of Chicago 60-49 in the second round of the Horizon league tourney.

Robert Kreps added 14 points and Tori Boyd made all eight of his free throws as the Flames made all 20 shots from the foul line in the second half to pull away from Loyola (12-19)

Illinois-Chicago (18-14) will face No. 14 Butler in Saturday's semifinals. Valparaiso meets Cleveland State in the other semifinal.

Tracy Robinson scored 15 points to lead Loyola and Andy Polka and Ross Forman added 10 each.

The Flames trailed 21-19 at halftime but used a 12-3 run early in the second half to take a 35-30 lead on two Boyd free throws with 7:44 remaining. Mayo had two baskets during the run.

Illinois-Chicago outrebounded Loyola 36-20, with 10 Flames, led by Scott VanderMeer's six, contributing boards.