Box Score

CHICAGO, Ill. -- Joe Reitz scored 17 points with nine rebounds leading the Broncos to a victory against undefeated Loyola, 63-61,in front of 1,100 at the Gentile Center in Chicago, Ill. Friday night.

The Broncos (2-2) and Loyola (2-1) traded baskets throughout the first half with neither team leading by more than four points, but with a three-pointer by Shawntes Gary with 6:32 left in the half, 26-23, Western would not lose the lead again.

Holding the Ramblers, by allowing only six points in the first 9:10 to start off the second half, 34-47, the Broncos led by as many as 13 points.

As the time clicked away, Loyola fought back to fall within two with 1:24 left on the clock, 59-61, with a jumper by J.R. Blount. With the ball back in Western's posession, the Broncos tried to take advantage of the lead and let time whind below a minute when a missed three-pointer but with a crucial rebound by Shawntes Gary, Western took a timeout with 21 seconds left in the game. Getting the ball down low, Reitz made a jumper to bring the score to 63-59. Loyola took a quick timeout after Blount scored a jumper bringing the Ramblers within two, 61-63.  Only two seconds off Loyola regained control of the ball after a steal by Blount, but could not capitalize on the Broncos turnover with two back-to-back missed layups giving Brown and Gold the win.

Sophomore guard David Kool added 11 points and four assists, Andre Ricks added 10 points and Shawntes Gary had nine points with five rebounds.

The Broncos made 85.7 percent from behind the free throw line in the first half (6-7) and shot 50.0 percent total for the game (23-46). Meanwhile, the Ramblers shot for 43.8 for the game and connecting for only 3-of-11 three-pointers. Western dominated Loyola in rebounds 35-23, but were able to outscore the Broncos on points off turnovers 26-13.

Blount led Loyola with 21 points followed by Tracy Robinson adding 11 points.

Western Michigan continues their games on the road when they travel to take on Detroit Monday at 7 p.m.