Loyola puts a big emphasis on rebounding, and the Ramblers’ 37-26 edge on the boards Friday night was an integral part of its 60-54 Catholic League victory over St. Ignatius at Loyola University’s Gentile Center.
The Ramblers’ work on the glass also furnished them with one of the game’s key plays after sophomore Jeff Jordan turned two missed fourth-quarter free throws into a three-point play by reeling in his second miss, pouring in the putback and drawing another foul.
He made this free throw, which gave Loyola a 51-44 lead with 2 minutes 49 seconds left.
“I had to redeem myself after missing those free throws,” said Jordan, who had game highs of 23 points and 12 rebounds. “I knew I had to get to that ball.”
After Jimmy Lynch nailed a three-pointer to bring the Wolfpack (8-6, 2-2) within 51-47, Jordan added another putback to give Loyola (11-2, 5-1) a six-point lead with 1:30 left.
Loyola helped its cause by hitting 23 of 31 free throws.
“We really emphasize rebounding and getting to the loose balls because we know we don’t have the height or athleticism to jump over people,” said Doug Kadison, who had nine points and seven boards.
