CHICAGO — E.J. Liddell scored 16 factors, Massive Ten Freshman of the Yr Malaki Branham added 14 and seventh-seeded Ohio State shut down Tenth-seeded Loyola Chicago from begin to end, successful 54-41 within the first spherical of the NCAA Match on Friday.

The Buckeyes (20-11) superior to play both Villanova or Delaware on Sunday within the South Area whereas stopping one other March run by the Ramblers (25-8), who shot 27% (15 of 56) from the ground.

Braden Norris led Loyola with 14 factors however star Lucas Williamson endured maybe his worst recreation of the season. The winningest participant in program historical past completed with 4 factors on 1-of-10 capturing and dedicated three turnovers as Loyola fell within the first spherical after reaching the Candy 16 final season and the Closing 4 in 2018.

Sister Jean, Loyola’s 102-year-old chaplain, led the Ramblers in a pregame prayer and took within the college’s third NCAA look in 5 years from the mezzanine however may solely watch as Loyola – listed as a slight favourite by FanDuel Sportsbook, a nod to this system’s rise – fumbled away a chance to additional cement its standing as a mid-major energy.

Ohio State got here in having misplaced 4 of its remaining 5 video games, together with a baffling setback to lowly Penn State within the Massive Ten event final week. The return of ahead Kyle Younger – who hadn’t performed since March 8 on account of a concussion – and Liddell’s steadiness helped the Buckeyes keep away from a second straight early exit.

A 12 months in the past, Ohio State got here in as a two seed solely to get shocked by Fifteenth-seeded Oral Roberts within the opening spherical. Not this time.

Loyola reached its third NCAA Match in 5 seasons based mostly largely on its protection. The issue for the Ramblers, nonetheless, got here on the opposite finish of the ground.

Whereas Williamson and firm annoyed Liddell – holding him and not using a subject purpose within the first half – Loyola may muster little offensive circulate because the Buckeyes swallowed up the lane in a recreation that made up for in depth what it lacked in aesthetics.

Each Loyola dive to the rim was contested and each unfastened ball – and there have been lots in a gap half through which each groups mixed for as many turnovers as made baskets (15) – appeared to finish with Ohio State heading the opposite means.

At one level, first-year Loyola coach Drew Valentine grew so animated his gum flew out of his mouth as he implored his staff for extra effort.

The Ramblers’ effort wasn’t the problem. Execution, nonetheless, was one other matter as Loyola ended its stint within the Missouri Valley Convention – the Jesuit college situated alongside Lake Michigan is heading to the Atlantic 10 subsequent fall – with a thud.

The video featured is from a earlier report.