Illinois State beats Loyola of Chicago 48-45

Jan 31, 2015, 04:46 pm

CHICAGO -- Deonte Hawkins scored 11 points, including 3 of 4 3-pointers, and Illinois State held off a late run by Loyola of Chicago to win 48-45 on Saturday.

Daishon Knight scored nine points, Paris Lee had six steals, and Redbirds (14-8, 6-4 Missouri Valley) handed the Ramblers their fifth straight loss.

Montel James scored a career-high 22 points for Loyola of Chicago (13-9, 3-7), but made only 2 of 7 free throws, missing five of six in the final 48 seconds when the Ramblers trailed 46-45.

Illinois State led 26-19 at halftime, and pulled away 42-27 in the second half. The Ramblers gained ground on a 13-2 run and pulled within 46-45 after James made one of two free throws with 48 seconds left. Reggie Lynch hit two free throws for a 48-45 lead, but James missed all four of his free throw tries in the final 16 seconds.