Ramblers continue their improbable run
SOUTH: LOYOLA CHICAGO 69, NEVADA 68
ATLANTA» With Loyola Chicago clinging to a onepoint lead and only 6.3 seconds remaining, Marques Townes sank a 3-pointer from in front of the Ramblers’ bench to continue their improbable NCAA Tournament run.
Townes scored 18 points, including the key 3-pointer, to lead Loyola to a 69-68 win over Nevada in Thursday night’s South Regional semifinals at Philips Arena.
“I think Marcus Townes is the best player on the court tonight,” said Loyola guard Clayton Custer. “I don’t even think it was close, either. I am so happy for him. He is such a good basketball player and such a good person, I am just so happy he dominated the game tonight and he led us.
“This is unbelievable. Feels like a dream.”
The win leaves the 11thseeded Ramblers (31-5) one victory from a Final Four appearance.
Not bad for a program that hadn’t been in the Sweet 16 in 33 years.
Townes charged down the court, pumping his fist, as Nevada called a timeout after the crucial 3-pointer. Caleb Martin answered with a 3 for Nevada, but this time the Wolf Pack couldn’t extend its string of secondhalf comebacks in the NCAA Tournament.
Martin led Nevada (29-8) with 21 points. Twin brother Cody Martin had 16. Jordan Carolina scored 19. The Wolf Pack finally faced a deficit too big to overcome.
The Ramblers trailed by 12 points (20-8) midway through the first half but stormed back to lead 28-24 at halftime. Loyola closed the half with a 20-4 run as Nevada didn’t score in the final 7:55 before the break.
After leading a combined 4 minutes, 24 seconds of its first two NCAA Tournament wins, the Wolf Pack didn’t trail in the opening 18 minutes of the first half. Even after leading 20-8 and appearing to have established command, Nevada found a way to trail at halftime for the sixth consecutive game.
Nevada’s experience in second-half comebacks paid off. After a layup by Custer gave the Ramblers their last 10-point lead at 5747, the Wolf Pack charged back.
Cody Martin’s basket started a 12-2 run, and his layup tied the game at 59all with 4:06 remaining.