Just one-third of the way through conference play, the Loyola men’s basketball team has exceeded all expectations and is looking like a team that could make it to the NCAA National Tournament for the first time in more than 30 years.
The Ramblers (13-6, 3-3) had a successful nonconference portion of their season. Marquee wins against San Diego State University and Washington State University, and one near-win against North Carolina State University, put Loyola in the national conversation. On Dec. 12, the Ramblers earned a vote in the Associated Press top-25 poll — something that has not happened since 1985.