Ramblers pick up 1st A-10 victory

Tom Welch scored 16 points off the bench to help Loyola defeat St. Bonaventure 67-55 on Saturday at Gentile Arena, giving the Ramblers their first Atlantic 10 Conference victory.

Welch was 4-of-6 shooting and 8 of 10 from the free-throw line for Loyola (7-12, 1-6), which snapped a seven-game losing streak. Jeameril Wilson added 11 points and Jacob Hutson 10.

Loyola joined the Atlantic 10 on July 1, ending an eightyear run in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Chad Venning had 16 points to lead the Bonnies (10-10, 4-3). Barry Evans added seven points and nine rebounds.

The Ramblers took the lead with 7 minutes, 59 seconds remaining in the first half and did not give it up.

Both teams next play Wednesday. Loyola visits Duquesne, while St. Bonaventure hosts Fordham.