Loyola Hosts Kent State in NIT Quarterfinal

CHICAGO – Loyola Chicago is hosting its first postseason game since the 2014-15 season as the Ramblers take on Kent State in the NIT Quarterfinals. Tip-off between the teams is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT in Gentile Arena. Both are looking to extend their seasons to the Final Four slated for next week in Indianapolis. 

Wednesday’s game can be watched on ESPN2 with Mark Neely (PXP) and Mark Wise (Analyst). The game can also be listened to Rambler Sports Network with Scott Sudikoff (PXP) and Christian Thomas (Analyst). 

RAMBLINGS

• Loyola handed San Francisco its first loss on its home court last week in the second round match-up, 77-76. The Ramblers were led by Jayden Dawson who exploded for a 35-point career-high performance.

• This marked Dawson’s sixth game with at least 20 points this season and first ever career game eclipsing 30. He’s the first Rambler since the 2018-19 season to score 30+.

• Des Watson added 12 points, six rebounds, and three assists. He was the only other Rambler to hit double-figures.

• Sheldon Edwards Jr. neared a double-double with seven points and eight rebounds, while Miles Rubin added six points, six boards, and three blocks.

• Unlike the first time around vs the Dons, Loyola had success at the line, shooting 22-24. The 91.7 percent outing was their best finish at the charity stripe this season.

• Loyola also committed the fewest turnovers under head coach Drew Valentine with four. The previous low was five vs. Rhode Island back in January.

• The Ramblers return to their home court one more time this season, holding a 16-1 record at Gentile this year. They haven’t dropped a game since the A-10 opener vs. VCU back on Jan. 4. Over the last two years, Loyola is 31-3 on its home court.

• Watson leads the Ramblers in scoring at Gentile, averaging 13.7 ppg over the 17 games. Dawson and Edwards Jr. average 12.3 and 12.1 ppg, respectively.

• Several milestones were met this season. Rubin most recently broke the single-season block record. He set it last year with 76 to break it this year with 82 and counting. He moved up to second all-time with 158 career blocks.

• Edwards Jr. broke the single-season three-pointers made record with his 86th make of the season. He’s at 102 and counting. Edwards Jr. and Watson also hit 1,000 career points earlier this season. 

• Dawson and Rubin earned All-Atlantic 10 honors. Dawson was tabbed to the second team, while Rubin collected All-Defensive honors for the second straight season.

• Rubin moved up in national rankings. He sits sixth in total blocks (82), ninth in block percentage (11.8), and 12th in blocks per game (2.3).

• Head coach Drew Valentine is in his fourth season at the helm. He has compiled a 82-50 overall record as head coach.

SCOUTING KENT STATE

Kent State enters the quarterfinal at 24-11 overall after picking up wins over St. Bonaventure and Stanford in the first two rounds of the NIT. The Golden Flash are 10-5 in road games and have won their last three true road games. KSU finished 11-7 in the MAC and ultimately fell in the league’s semifinal to Miami (OH), 72-64. In the NCAA, the Flash rank 63rd in points allowed (68.2) and 71st in field goal percentage defense (.419).

Jalen Sullinger leads the offense, averaging 15.8 points per game. He was tabbed to the All-MAC Second Team. Sullinger has scored at least 10 points in the last seven games, including two 30-point outings. He dropped a season-high 34, willing the Flash to a win over Stanford. He also tallied 31 against Western Michigan back on March 4.

Rob Senderoff is in his 14th season leading Kent State. He’s compiled a 288-175 overall record.