Team Breakdown: Loyola-Chicago - Beck Willems


Loyola is an eleven seed in this year's NCAA tournament. They are in the sweet sixteen which is pretty amazing since an eleven seed making it to the sweet sixteen is uncommon. Although, they have earned their spot in the sweet sixteen by hitting two buzzer beaters to win the games against Tennessee and Miami. Clayton Custer a former Iowa State guard hit a miracle shot with very little time left against the high ranked tennessee team to advance onward to the sweet sixteen.

Loyola may have hit some lucky shots, but they are a strong team capable of doing more damage in the tourney. The ramblers finished first in their conference regular season with a 15-3 record, and won their conference tournament beating Illinois state 65-49. Their overall record at the moment is 30-5. Leading Loyola to all their success is a 6-1 185 pound junior guard Clayton Custer. Custer averages 13.3 PPG, 2.2 RPG, and 4.2 APG so far this season. Loyola is ranked 63 in offense and 27 in defense. Loyola was one of the 4 first in or out teams if they didn't win their conference tourney. The ramblers obviously belong in this tournament, and aren’t finished with their work yet. Two obvious highlights of their season are the game winning shots to advance further in the tournament. One highlight that may no be as obvious is winning their conference tournament. This was a huge highlight of the season because if they didn’t win their tourney there was a chance they would have no been selected for the NCAA tournament where they obviously belong. The Ramblers have swag in the tournament, and I myself think they can keep the train rolling as they face Nevada in the sweet sixteen. I think they are going to make it to the Elite Eight.

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