Loyola & Illinois State Meet on Sunday

(St. Louis, MO) – Since this has been the most competitive of Missouri Valley Conference Tournaments, it was only fitting that the eighth game of the nine game championship would go into overtime.

Illinois State defeated Southern Illinois in an extra session just six games ago and they did it again in the semifinals of Arch Madness Saturday. The Redbirds (18-14) jumped on forward Phil Fayne’s back and let him carry them to victory. With SIU center Kavion Pippen fouling out, Fayne scored 13 points in the extra session, on his way to a career-high 26 points.

76 – 68 was the final score in the game in Normal just under a month ago, and that was the score on Saturday. The Redbirds battle regular season champion Loyola in the tournament’s championship game Sunday at 1:00 p.m.

With stars Milik Yarbrough and Keyshawn Evans held in check, the Redbirds received huge contributions from Matt Hein (12 points and five rebounds) and William Tinsley (14 points and nine rebounds).

Loyola (27-5) will defend their regular season title because of their 62-54 victory over Bradley. The eight point margin didn’t reflect the intensity of this contest. With 4:47 left, the Ramblers led 56-54.

They didn’t allow another Bradley point and now will play for their first ever Arch Madness title. Head coach Porter Moser says he loves he loves his team’s mentality.

“I love our guys’ mentality. They just refused to quit,” said Moser. “They refused to quit. You look at how many grind-out games we’ve had, especially the last several weeks. And we just find ways to win. Different guys, different nights. That’s what’s special about this group.”

Marques Townes and Valley Player of the Year Clayton Custer led the Ramblers with 12 points each. Bradley (20-13) saw five Braves’ players reach double figures. Donte Thomas, Dwyane Lautier-Ogunleye and Nate Kennell tallied 12 and Darrell Brown added 11.

Bradley and Southern Illinois could be in line to play in a postseason tournament.

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