Geoff McCammon scored 17 of his career-high 22 points in the second half of Loyola's 89-69 victory over Canisius
 
Geoff McCammon scored 17 of his career-high 22 points in the second half of Loyola's 89-69 victory over Canisius
 
 
Balanced Attack And Hot Shooting Sends Loyola Past Canisius, 89-69

Geoff McCammon tallies career-high 22 points as Ramblers win home opener

Nov. 17, 2009

Box Score |  Quotes

CHICAGO - Five players scored in double figures and the team shot 55 percent (30-for-55) from the field as Loyola University Chicago (1-1) rolled to an 89-69 victory over Canisius (0-1) tonight at the Gentile Center. The Ramblers' 89 points are the most versus a NCAA Division I opponent since they tallied 99 versus Evansville on Nov. 21, 2005.

Canisius led 12-10 early before a three-pointer from Terrance Hill ignited a 27-10 Loyola run that featured four threes, three of which came courtesy of Marcus Thomas, as the host Ramblers opened up a 37-22 lead. On the strength of 64 percent (7-for-11) shooting from behind the arc in the first half, Loyola took a 46-35 lead into the break.

Geoff McCammon opened the second half just like he did the game, by draining a three-pointer, for three of his 17 second-half points. The junior guard scored all 17 of his career-best 22 points during the first 7:25 of the second period as the Ramblers extended their lead to 68-47 and never looked back.

However, McCammon wasn't the only bright spot in a night filled with great Rambler performances. Walt Gibler notched 17 points, while Thomas chipped in 14 off the bench. Andy Polka registered his first double-double since Feb. 16, 2008, as he put up 11 points and ripped down 12 rebounds for the second straight game. Freshman Ben Averkamp contributed 12 points and five rebounds and Courtney Stanley turned in one of the finest outings by a point guard in the last decade, by handing out a career-high 12 assists, while committing only one turnover. Stanley's 12 helpers are the most by a Rambler since David Bailey recorded a dozen assists on Dec. 23, 2000.

Loyola hits the road again this weekend as it travels to Holy Cross for a Friday night (Nov. 20) showdown in Worcester, Mass. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. Central.