OK , now iot really begins--Two non Di1 plus a Spartan team which is way above us for now.

The early look has us doing just fine--
Plusses--
---We can beat a taller team with good shooting , few t/os and good Defense--It is difficult but doable. Must make freebies
---We can WIN and must do so on the road--
---WE now can beat teams we should beat--home or away
---PM is adjusting --something he had not done in past
---We have a genuine Star in Milton--with a lot of unselfish helpers--(This was not in evidence last year--hence a changeover , perhaps)
---We will only get better as KiKi heats up

Negatives---
---Not tall enough
---Need bench improvement --this IS happening
------Need solid 8/9 man rotation

If we beat Flashes . no easy task in Akron-- we will then be a factor--Could happen
I say again --WE WILL NOT BE LAST THIS YEAR !!

GO RAMBLERS !!!!

The energy, team play, and strategy was much better tonight than I've seen in any game this year (and most of last year). If we keep playing with the kind of help defense we had tonight, the unselfish passing, and willingness to sacrifice on loose balls, we might have a shot at a .500 record with our weak schedule. Milton Doyle is clearly stepping forward to become a leader by example, which is a refreshing and needed element with so many young players. I don't think it's in Milt's nature to be vocal, but he's doing it the best way he knows.

It can't be overstated enough how much this win will help with the rest of the season. It's going to be a happy trip back to Chicago, the first since the 2012-13 season.

I didn't really want to post the story about the 20-game road losing streak, but I thought it was time for a "shaming" (for the coaching staff and players) after the Michigan State game and just prior to a game we should win on the road. The energy, teamwork, and hustle the guys put in made me really proud. Let's keep doing that the rest of the year.

Sorry for the double post. Doyle got most of the accolades for a 27-point game, but give it up to the other guys who hustled so hard.

Joe Crisman worked very hard and came up big when it counted. He reminded me tonight of how Kevin Clancy used to play for the Ramblers-- forcing things to happen and executing on offense when he needed to. Exceptionally solid.

Christian Thomas scored his 1000th point as a Rambler and did a lot of hard, dirty, unappreciated work as usual.

Montel James scored only two points (a nice jam), but got five big rebounds and kept the bigger guys honest in the paint.

Donte Ingram had five rebounds in 14 minutes. Hit a big three when the game was getting away. I think he's going to be very good long term, and an important part of the team this year because of his versatility.

Jeff White had nine points and hit all four of his free throws in tense situations.

Was able to watch most of the game. LU kept their composure down the stretch, which we've learned is hard to do on the road.

JCT you mention some of the hustle plays. Around the 16:30 mark, we turned it over and they had a transition opportunity. Hard to call something that early the play of the game, but a score there puts us down 8 & they have momentum. Instead, we get a big turnover when Turk gets back in transition and takes a charge on Hill, his 2nd of the game. We respond with a three, I think by CT, and began a prolonged run. Hill got his third foul shortly thereafter and was a non-factor after the charge with one three (plus a desperation heave when game was over).

Turk has gotten heat all along on D but to me, his defensive play here was the spark that gets Loyola going and changed the complexion of the second half. Great to see a player help his team win a game in a different way than we're used to.

So what you're saying is...Turk-key?

You got it. Although to extend an analogy...turkey is the main dish but I'll call it green bean casserole: the unsung Thanksgiving dish that doesn't get enough credit at the table!

I liked the announcers on the telecast. They were obviously C-USA picked but were anything but homers for UTSA. The color man Ben Braun went to New Trier and Wisconsin and coached at Eastern Michigan, Cal and Rice. He knew a lot about Turk - may have recruited him. Also knew about Chicago area basketball and seemed to be acquainted with Moser.