The Enchanting Cascade of Loyola Falls at Saint Joseph’s

PHILADELPHIA – Loyola Chicago concluded the week on the road after being defeated by Saint Joseph’s Saturday afternoon, 93-57. Sheldon Edwards Jr. topped the score sheet for Loyola with 12 points, while Des Watson, Jayden Dawson, and Miles Rubin each contributed 10 points.
 
Following the defeat, Loyola’s record stands at 10-6 overall and 1-2 in A-10 competition.
 
“They outplayed us. We have to acknowledge their performance,” remarked head coach Drew Valentine. “They came out as a team driven by purpose, while our players continually strayed from the game plan. Our performance on both ends of the court was lacking.”
 
Game Summary
Saint Joseph’s commenced the match with a powerful performance in the first half, leading Loyola 7-2 by the initial media timeout. The Ramblers’ shooting was a mere 11 percent from the field until Jalen DeLoach and Edwards Jr. broke the scoring drought, bringing Loyola within five by the 14:13 mark. Xzayvier Brown scored five consecutive points, reestablishing a double-digit lead for the Hawks.
 
The Hawks continued their offensive momentum with a 15-0 surge, including 10 points from Erik Reynolds II within a three-minute span. SJU achieved their largest lead of the half at 27 points with just over a minute remaining in the first. Edwards Jr. netted a three-pointer on the final possession, finishing the half with 12 points. SJU led 53-29 at the break.
 
Loyola commenced the second half with a 9-4 run, featuring five points from Des Watson, capped by a second-chance basket from Francis Nwaokorie. However, this effort was insufficient as the Hawks executed a 15-0 run and held Loyola scoreless for more than five minutes. Watson ended the dry spell with a drive, marking his 1,000^th career point, but SJU ultimately secured the victory.
 
Statistical Overview
– At the 4:37 mark in the second half, Watson achieved his 1,000^th career point, with 603 of those points scored as a Rambler.
– Edwards Jr. led the team with 12 points, nailing four three-pointers and pulling down five rebounds.
– Watson recorded a team-high four assists and four steals, while Nwaokorie was the leader for Loyola with seven rebounds.
– Loyola’s shooting accuracy was 34.3 percent from the field, hitting eight three-pointers, whereas SJU nearly achieved 55 percent shooting and made 18 three-pointers.
 
Looking Ahead
Loyola is set to return to Gentile to face off against Rhode Island on Jan. 15 at 8 p.m. CT.