x
Breaking News
More () »

Loyola-Chicago's Cinderella run continues with upset of Tennessee for Sweet 16 berth

Loyola got a big boost from its bench and used another collaborative effort to fend off a late rally by the Volunteers and reach the Sweet 16, continuing one of this NCAA tournament's most impressive Cinderella stories.
Loyola (II) Ramblers forward Aundre Jackson (24) shoots as Tennessee Volunteers forward Derrick Walker (15) defends during the first half in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Tournament. (Photo: Tim Heitman, USA TODAY Sports)

Mid-major Loyola-Chicago showed its mettle again versus a power conference team, and used its synergetic offense and top-five defense to pull off another last-second upset.

Guard Clayton Custer drained a game-winning jumper with three seconds left to lift the 11th-seeded Ramblers to a 63-62 victory over No. 3 Tennessee on Saturday.

Loyola got a big boost from its bench and used another collaborative effort to fend off a late rally by the Volunteers and reach the Sweet 16, continuing one of this NCAA tournament's most impressive Cinderella stories.

Aundre Jackson scored 16 points off the bench and freshman big man Cameron Krutwig helped the Ramblers use an efficient inside-outside game and battle against a much more athletic Volunteers squad. Only Jackson and Custer scored in double figures, but a balanced Loyola offensive attack silenced momentous spurts made by Tennessee with clutch shots from its core players — including the hero of the team's first-round Miami upset, Donte Ingram.

Tennessee veteran forward Admiral Schofield (14 points) led a determined effort in trying to mount a comeback, but Loyola's floor spacing and extra passes outmatched any force or athleticism the Volunteers tried to maximize.

By winning Saturday, Loyola proved it wasn't a one-hit wonder following its buzzer-beating win over Miami. The Ramblers (30-5) dominated the Missouri Valley Conference during the regular season and have carried that winning swagger over to Dallas. Next up, a Sweet 16 battle against the winner of Nevada and Cincinnati in Atlanta next week.

Before You Leave, Check This Out