Spiders comeback falls short to sharpshooting Loyola Chicago

Following a tough loss at Davidson College, the University of Richmond men’s basketball team was not able to complete the comeback Feb. 11, falling in overtime to Loyola University Chicago, 87-80.  

Last season, UR and Loyola Chicago finished first and second in the Atlantic 10 regular season standings respectively, with both teams coming in at 15-3. In fact, UR’s road win over the Ramblers was the difference in clinching the 2024 regular season championship. The 2025 rematch in many ways felt reminiscent of the fast paced, high-scoring styles of both teams from years past, as Tuesday night’s game quickly turned into a shoot-out. 

The Ramblers offense came flying out of the gates, knocking down 4 three-pointers in the first 9 minutes, and jumping out to a 24-9 lead. Loyola Chicago came into the night shooting 46.3% on field goals, ranking 3rd in the Atlantic 10. 

UR was able to withstand the initial outburst and slowly cut into the double digit lead that stood for much of the first half, led by a strong performance from graduate guard B. Artis White, whose four point play cut the Ramblers lead down to 5 with just 41 seconds to go in the first half. This would prove to be a night to remember for White; not only did he finish the game with 16 points, he also eclipsed 1000 career points with a jumper 8:20 into the game. 

“He’s [White] been great, he can put pressure on the other team when we’re on defense, and when we’re on offense, because of his speed, he makes good decisions,” Head Coach Chris Mooney said of White’s recent performance in the post game press conference, “I thought he played great tonight.”

After finishing the first half down 31-34, UR let the score slip away again to start the second half. The Ramblers held a commanding 12 point lead with just over 11 minutes to play before the Spider’s offense found its rhythm, sparked by a three pointer from junior center Mike Walz. Walz hit two three-pointers on the night and set a new career high with an efficient 20 point performance, shooting 8/12 from the field. 

“I’ve really trusted myself… I feel like I’ve made great strides this season,” Walz said on his increased role in the offense this season, “Getting myself to a position where Coach Mooney can count on me on the offensive side, but also just establishing myself as a leader, an anchor on the defensive side of the basketball.” 

Walz’s shot began a 13 point run for UR, giving the Spiders their first lead of the night with just over five minutes to play. However, the Ramblers answered back, trading buckets with the Spiders down the stretch.

A layup from White gave the Spiders a three point lead with 53 seconds to go, their largest lead of the night. As has been a recurring problem throughout the season for UR, this lead would not last, as a Loyola Chicago three pointer would tie the game at 65-65, and after a defensive stop from both teams, send the game to overtime. 

In overtime, the Ramblers shooting stayed hot, converting on four out of five three-pointers and six out of seven shots. Loyola Chicago connected on a season high 18 three pointers, a mark only one other team in the A-10 has reached so far this season. UR was unable to keep pace; despite managing 15 points of offense, they found themselves behind in the closing minute, led by seven points from sophomore guard Mikkel Tyne, who finished with 18 points. 

Mooney spoke about the Rambler’s shooting after the game. “As a coach you often think they [Loyola Chicago] were a little too comfortable early, but that usually doesn’t last all the way through an overtime period. I thought in the overtime and late in the game, I thought we defended well…they continued to make shots, so again, good players, and you tip your hat,” Mooney said.

With this loss, UR falls to 8-17 on the season and 3-9 in the Atlantic 10, but have a chance to turn things around later this week with a home game against Fordham University, Feb. 15 at 6 p.m. 

Contact sports writer Jeremy Young at jeremy.young@richmond.edu