Loyola Chicago has gotten the autobid in the Missouri Valley Conference two out of the last four seasons. Both of those NCAA tournament appearances have turned into runs to at least the second weekend. This Loyola team might not be as good or as consistent as the ones in years past, but they sure did look like it today.
The Ramblers led 11-2 to start the game in what seemed like a “prove it” game for them. After all, Northern Iowa took down Loyola 102-96 in overtime just a week prior. The two teams had split the matchups in the regular season, although it is worth noting that Marquise Kennedy didn’t play for Loyola in either of the two regular season matchups.
Northern Iowa started the third matchup 5-24 from the field and could not get anything going offensively, but the Panthers managed to cut the lead to eight with 1:35 to go in the first half. However, just when the momentum seemed to be favoring Northern Iowa, a quick 8-0 run from Loyola gave them a 39-23 lead at the half.
The Panthers continued to try to climb back into the game in the second half and there were multiple points when it looked like it was going to be a close game, including a technical foul issued to Loyola’s bench early in the second half after a no call on a Marquise Kennedy layup attempt. However, the Panthers couldn’t spark a run big enough to cut the gap any closer than eight.
Braden Norris led the Ramblers with 19, of which included four three pointers. Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year A.J. Green led Northern Iowa in scoring with 13, but shot 4-20 from the field. Much of that defensive success can be attributed to Missouri Valley Defensive Player of the Year Lucas Williamson’s hounding defense. Marquise Kennedy also had a nice afternoon for the Ramblers, contributing 13 points, six rebounds and two steals off the bench.
The defending Missouri Valley Conference Champions will play tomorrow for one last league championship before heading off to the Atlantic 10 conference next season. Awaiting is a potential rematch with Drake or a showdown with Missouri State and MVC player of the year runner-up Isiaih Mosley.