Evansville defeats Loyola of Chicago 53-48

Jan 18, 2015, 05:31 pm

EVANSVILLE, Ind. -- D.J. Balentine had 18 points to lead Evansville to a 53-48 victory over Loyola of Chicago Saturday.

Blake Simmons had 11 points and Duane Gibson added 10 for Evansville (9-10, 2-4 Missouri Valley Conference).

Nick Osborne made a layup to give Loyola Chicago (7-11, 2-4) a 45-44 lead with 3:40 remaining in the game. Egidjius Mockevicius followed with two free throws and Gibson made a jump shot for a 48-45 lead. Christian Thomas hit a 3-pointer to tie at 48 with 1:55 remaining. Balentine followed with a jump shot and two free throws, and Simmons added another free throw for the final score.

The score was tied at 23 at the half. There were six ties and nine lead changes.

Thomas led Loyola of Chicago with 19 points and Milton Doyle added 10.