Darrin Williams sat on the bench for only about a three-minute stretch after picking up his fourth foul. But for Loyola, it seemed much longer.
Williams showed what the Crusaders were missing Wednesday night when he returned to spark the Ramblers in a 68-61 victory against Valparaiso.
The 6-foot-8-inch center, who averages a mere 3.7 points per game, scored key points on offense and came up with difference-making plays on defense.
Williams’ plan was hardly elaborate, but it worked.
“I was just trying to go out and not necessarily mess up, but try to go hard,” the junior said.
Williams scored 12 of his game-high 19 points in the second half to help the Ramblers break a three-game losing streak and send the seniors off with smiles after their last game in the Gentile Center.
Valparaiso overcame an eight-point deficit to take a 60-57 lead with 3 minutes 53 seconds remaining, most of that comeback taking place in Williams’ absence.
When he returned, the story changed once again.
Williams scored six points in just more than 1 1/2 minutes to give the Ramblers a 63-60 lead with 1:10 remaining.
“We ran a lot of plays for him,” Loyola coach Jim Whitesell said.
Williams, who finished with seven rebounds and three blocks, swatted away two Valparaiso shots in the final two minutes. The Crusaders did not make a field goal in the final 3:52 as Williams counteracted their 6-9 and 6-11 forwards.
“Williams, his two blocks at the end were the difference-makers,” Crusaders coach Bryce Drew said.
As dramatic as the final minutes were, Loyola made a comeback in the first half that was just as crucial.
The Ramblers trailed by as many as nine points before Justin Cerasoli came off the bench to score 11 of his 19 points before halftime.
They headed to the locker room with a 33-28 lead. A main order of business emerged as the players talked at the break — get the ball to Williams.
“That’s one thing we emphasized,” said J.R. Blount, who scored 16 points and had four assists. “We got it to him, and he was hitting the jump hook and getting offensive rebounds. … That’s how you get yourself started.”
And, apparently, finished as well.
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sryan@tribune.com
