CHICAGO (AP) - Ben Averkamp scored 17 points, leading five Loyola of Chicago players in double figures, and the Ramblers won their first Horizon League game of the season by beating Illinois-Chicago 78-69 on Saturday.
Loyola (5-19, 1-13 Horizon) had lost 11 straight since beating Canisius on Dec. 22, but never trailed in the cross-city matchup. Jordan Hicks scored 15, Walt Gibler and Denzel Brito each had 11 points and Chim Kadima scored 10 for the Ramblers. Gibler had nine rebounds and Hicks eight as Loyola outrebounded UIC 41-29.
The Ramblers led 20-6 just 8 minutes into the game and 39-26 at halftime. The margin got no smaller than seven points, in the final minute of the game.
Gary Talton led the Flames (7-17, 3-11) with 18 points and Daniel Barnes scored 15.
