Loyola earns upset of Valparaiso, 65-63

VALPARAISO, Ind. (AP) — J.R. Blount scored 19 points, and Loyola of Chicago made seven-of-14 3-pointers in a 65-63 upset win over Valparaiso Saturday night.

Andy Polka added 11 points and four assists, and Justin Cerasoli had 10 points and three steals for the Ramblers (7-13, 3-7). Loyola totaled 10 steals as a team.

Brandon McPherson led Valparaiso (14-7, 5-4) with 13 points, while Samuel Haanpaa scored 11. Urule Igbavboa added nine points and 11 rebounds for the Crusaders, who outrebounded Loyola 32-28. Jarryd Loyd had 10 points and six assists.

Loyola led 41-34 at halftime, thanks to hot shooting. The Ramblers made seven-of-11 3-pointers in the opening half and shot 56 percent from the field and 85 percent from the free-throw line.

Valparaiso hit five-of-seven 3-pointers in the opening half but then cooled off. The Crusaders made eight-of-19 for the game.