Can Loyola University Chicago sustain early-season defensive dominance?
CHICAGO — Heading into the 2021-22 NCAA season, Loyola University Chicago preached progress. First-year head coach Drew Valentine had very high expectations beginning his first season. Players were ready, they put in the work and realized the opportunities ahead of them. The season kicked off with eight straight home games, giving them an opportunity to capitalize on some early season success. In the Ramblers home opener, 1,400 passionate fans got to witness hard work, unselfishness, toughness and a real glimpse of how competitive the Ramblers can be. They also got to see exactly what Coach Valentine embodied as he took the helm as the youngest head coach in college basketball. Thus began an exciting new era for Loyola, giving the city of Chicago another team to root for.
Loyola put their No. 1 scoring defense on full display against Coppin State, putting on a show in blowout fashion, defeating Coppin State by 58 points, 103-45, and setting a school record with 20 made 3-point shots.
The Ramblers had six players score in double figures. Forward Aher Uguak led the game with 16 points.聽The win also sets a mark for points scored in a game since Loyola defeated Indiana State 104-96 back on Jan 30, 2016. The Eagles defeated Loyola the last time they met by a score of 76-72. That was then, this is now.
Coach Valentine spoke after the Ramblers鈥� home opener to reporters.
鈥淚鈥檓 just really, really pleased with how we shared the ball,鈥� Valentine . 鈥淩eally, really, pleased with how guys stepped up and showed how much work that they put in in the off-season, and also obviously pleased with our defense.鈥�
The Ramblers started hot in the first half, shooting 51% from the field. The scoring continued in the second half. Loyola held the Eagles to 22% shooting and 8% shooting from the three-point line, one of the most impressive defensive demonstrations to date.
They gave just a sample size of how explosive this offense can be with size, shooting and a true understanding of what it means to find an identity, just an example of Coach Valentine’s complete buy-in from players.
Winning the Missouri Valley Conference is the Ramblers鈥� to lose, barring any major setbacks they should find themselves with another conference title, gearing up for another visit to the Sweet 16, having their sights set on the Elite Eight and a real possibility of a Final Four appearance. There are high hopes for a program that is getting better every year, but these goals are achievable with the correct coaching staff in place. Hopefully, early season success can translate through the season, giving this team the confidence and experience needed to advance deep into the NCAA tournament and a real possibility of becoming one the most attractive recruiting colleges in the nation.
Loyola looks to extend their winning streak on Saturday, Nov. 13, against Florida Gulf Coast (FGCU). This looks like a good match-up. FGCU put up 94 points in their first game against Florida National in another blowout win. Two offensive juggernauts going head-to-head, this game will come down to defense. With all the aforementioned, the Ramblers get their first real test to see if they can sustain the defensive dominance demonstrated against Coppin State.
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