NCAAM

Following a steal by Townes, Ben Richardson’s layup gave the Ramblers their first double-digit lead at 3626 and took their biggest lead at 40-28.

Nevada’s experience in second-half comebacks paid off. After Loyola’s layup by Clayton Custer gave the Ramblers their last 10-point lead at 57-47, the Wolf Pack charged back.

Cody Martin’s basket started a 12-2 run, and his layup tied the game at 59-all with 4:06 remaining.

BIG PICTURE Loyola: The Ramblers showed strong poise by sticking with their game plan to attack the basket, even when the Wolf Pack collected five blocks in the first half. Loyola took a 4634 advantage in points in the paint.

Nevada: The Wolf Pack couldn’t keep pace with Loyola’s inside attack. They made only 8 of 27 3-pointers.

FAMOUS FANS Four members of Loyola’s famous 1963 NCAA championship team had front-row seats: Jerry Harkness, Les Hunter, John Egan and Rich Rochelle. In the final minutes of the game, Harkness could be heard saying, “We need a stop. We just need a stop.”

Also attending the game was Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, Loyola’s 98-year-old team chaplain who has become a celebrity during the tournament.

UP NEXT Loyola: The Ramblers will face the winner of Thursday night’s Kansas State-kentucky regional semifinal in Saturday’s regional final.

Nevada: Despite losing four seniors, the Wolf Pack again will be a team to watch in the Mountain West. Among the top returning players will be the Martin twins, who are juniors.