Examining Loyola’s loss…

The No. 2 ranked Ramblers were trounced by Indianapolis North Central on ESPN2 last night. They didn’t even slightly resemble the team I’ve watched play numerous times this season.

The margin of victory demonstrates just how hard it is for a high school basketball team to play a high-profile game in another state. It puts Simeon’s three-point loss to Rice (NY) at Madison Square Garden in proper perspective. Rice doesn’t have a player as good as Eric Gordon, but they are a far better team than North Central.

As for Loyola, the loss brings up plenty of questions. Observers have already pointed out that Gordon tore up the Ramblers just like Marshall star Patrick Beverley did in the supersectionals last season. Loyola plays excellent team defense, but seems to have trouble holding down a superstar scorer.

The Latest
Gutierrez has not started the past two games, even though the offense has struggled.
Rawlinson hopes to make an announcement regarding the team’s plans for an individual practice facility before the 2024 season begins.
Once again there are dozens of players with local ties moving on from their previous college stop in search of a better or different opportunity.
State lawmakers can pass legislation that would restore the safeguards the U.S. Supreme Court removed last year on wetlands, which play a key role in helping to mitigate the impact of climate change and are critical habitats for birds, insects, mammals and amphibians.
Bet on it: Don’t expect Grifol’s team, which is on pace to challenge the 2003 Tigers for the most losses in a season, to be favored much this year