Lotsa basketball in the city last nite. Dallas in town to play the Bulls. Michael Jordans son playing for Loyola H.S. on the Southside
@ St. Rita. And for me, a stop in my old neighbourhood, Rogers Park: and they say one can't go home again! Last nite I visited my old school Loyola University to watch the mens basketball team play nationally # 14 ranked and 17-2 Butler. When I was a student, the team played miles away in Rosemont or wherever, so rarely if ever did we go to games. Little school spirit for sports. However, they built a gym on campus, and last nites game was filled with boisterous fans. Loyola's a great school; but I didn't expect chanting, clapping, stomping fans. I have a feeling that most games are not packed like last nites, but it was nice to experience.
Loyola had a nice year last year, winning 19 games and hoping to get into the NCAA's or the NIT. Didn't happen, but it sparked high hopes for this year. Nyet. Loyola went into the game a disappointing 13-7. A win against the #14 team in the nation was looking very important @ this juncture of the season.
Butler was the better team for most of the game, but Loyola had the ball as time ran out in a tied game. The first half was characterized by Loyola trying not to let Butler get too far ahead. Both teams played well. Nice movement and passing characterized most of the game. Butlers point guard, A.J. Graves, is their star, @ least in this game. He ended the nite with 26 points, including the last ten in OT.
Loyola had their run through the first 15m of the second half, and when they finally tied it up, it was great to hear the roar. The last five minutes was the decider. Loyola kept going to their stud, Blake Schilb, and in the end it was just too much. Loyola had the ball with 13 seconds left, but Schilb missed his shot. OT went to Butler, and they deserved it – but just.
Obviously, my hopes were with Loyola, and it was hard to see them lose. But, now 13-8, they still have a good shot to make a tournament. It would have been nice to win this game, but there’s still hope. What I took most from the game was the spirit in the crowd. It was great to see the student body involved. Hopefully they’ll be able to travel to the opening round of the NCAA’s to see the Ramblers.
@ St. Rita. And for me, a stop in my old neighbourhood, Rogers Park: and they say one can't go home again! Last nite I visited my old school Loyola University to watch the mens basketball team play nationally # 14 ranked and 17-2 Butler. When I was a student, the team played miles away in Rosemont or wherever, so rarely if ever did we go to games. Little school spirit for sports. However, they built a gym on campus, and last nites game was filled with boisterous fans. Loyola's a great school; but I didn't expect chanting, clapping, stomping fans. I have a feeling that most games are not packed like last nites, but it was nice to experience.Loyola had a nice year last year, winning 19 games and hoping to get into the NCAA's or the NIT. Didn't happen, but it sparked high hopes for this year. Nyet. Loyola went into the game a disappointing 13-7. A win against the #14 team in the nation was looking very important @ this juncture of the season.
Butler was the better team for most of the game, but Loyola had the ball as time ran out in a tied game. The first half was characterized by Loyola trying not to let Butler get too far ahead. Both teams played well. Nice movement and passing characterized most of the game. Butlers point guard, A.J. Graves, is their star, @ least in this game. He ended the nite with 26 points, including the last ten in OT.
Loyola had their run through the first 15m of the second half, and when they finally tied it up, it was great to hear the roar. The last five minutes was the decider. Loyola kept going to their stud, Blake Schilb, and in the end it was just too much. Loyola had the ball with 13 seconds left, but Schilb missed his shot. OT went to Butler, and they deserved it – but just.
Obviously, my hopes were with Loyola, and it was hard to see them lose. But, now 13-8, they still have a good shot to make a tournament. It would have been nice to win this game, but there’s still hope. What I took most from the game was the spirit in the crowd. It was great to see the student body involved. Hopefully they’ll be able to travel to the opening round of the NCAA’s to see the Ramblers.
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