It looked like a sure thing with just about 3 1/2 minutes in the game as Loyola’s Marques Townes hit a free throw to extend their lead to 60-51.   But Tennessee would not go away.

First, Jordan Bowden hit a three pointer to cut the lead to 6.  Loyola’s Ben Richardson hit one of two free throws to make the lead 7.  Then, Jordan Bowe drove hard to the basket to cut the lead to 5.  And with just under 2 minutes, Lamonte Turner hit a three pointer to cut the lead to 2.  Both teams played great defense for the next minute and a half to set the stage.  Tennessee has the ball with 28 seconds and down 2 points.

So, Tennessee did what any team would do in that situation – get the ball to their best player.  The Volunteers got the ball into SEC Player of the Year Grant Williams who drove to the basket, made the layup despite being fouled, and then hit the free throw to give the Volunteers a surprising one point lead.   Then, Williams made a great steal attempt with 10 seconds as the ball went out of bounds, but the replay would show that the ball goes off Williams hand – giving the Ramblers one last chance.

So, the Ramblers did what any team would do in that situation – get the ball to their best player.  Loyola inbounded the ball into Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year Clayton Custer.  Custer got the ball in the backcourt, brought the ball up and drove down the lane.  He shoots up a runner from the side of the lane and the ball floats up to hit the front of the rim, bounce off the backboard, and softly falls through the basket.

Tennessee would get one last desparation three pointer off before the buzzer, but Jordan Bowe’s shot missed wide.   And Loyola – Chicago wins the game 63-62.  The Ramblers are heading to Sweet 16.