Loyola University Chicago Athletics: Heartbreaking Semifinal Loss to Chattanooga in NIT

Loyola Chicago’s journey in the NIT came to a close on Tuesday night when they faced Chattanooga in the semifinals. The Mocs edged out a victory, 80-73, advancing to the championship. Miles Rubin was a standout for Loyola, finishing a perfect 7-for-7 from the field and scoring 14 points. Jayden Dawson led all Ramblers with 19 points.

As the season finishes, the Ramblers wrap up with a solid 25-12 record. Head coach Drew Valentine expressed pride in his team, noting how their resilience and belief helped them reach this point. “It was a big-time college basketball game tonight," he said. "Both fan bases showed up, and I’m grateful for the commitment and leadership of my players. I’m really going to miss them."

Despite the loss, there are promising signs for next season, as Rubin confirmed he would be returning to play.

The game itself was intense, marked by tight competition. The first half saw five lead changes and seven ties. Both teams exchanged leads throughout, with Loyola briefly leading by 11 before heading into halftime with a 38-34 advantage.

The second half began with Chattanooga quickly gaining the lead, but Loyola fought back, showcasing a mix of successful three-point shots and determined plays. Dawson had a standout moment, scoring five straight points to bring the game within reach. Last-minute efforts by the Ramblers brought them to just a point behind, but Chattanooga sealed their win with a late scoring run.

Key player performances included:

• Dawson: 19 points, 6 assists
• Rubin: 14 points, 6 rebounds
• Jalen DeLoach: 13 points on perfect shooting
• Des Watson: 10 points in his final game

Loyola had a strong shooting night overall, hitting 50% of their shots and making nine three-pointers. This semifinal appearance marks their first since 1962, highlighting the team’s progress this season.

Reflecting on the matchup, some fans took to social media to express their pride in the team’s journey, sharing emotions about the close calls and thrilling plays. As college basketball thrives with surprises, this season set the stage for Loyola’s potential rise next year, especially with returning players like Rubin.

This performance underlines not just the heart of the players but the resilience of the Ramblers as they look to build on this success in the future. Their determination could lead to even greater achievements moving forward, making them a team to watch in the coming seasons.

For more details about Loyola’s NIT record and performance, visit ESPN’s coverage here.

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