Walt Gibler recorded his second double-double of the year with 17 points and 12 points at Canisius
 
Walt Gibler recorded his second double-double of the year with 17 points and 12 points at Canisius
 
 
Loyola Rallies To Post Fourth Win In A Row, Stops Canisius, 59-45

Averkamp and Gibler combine for 39 points as Ramblers win second straight on road

Dec. 22, 2011

Box Score

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Ben Averkamp scored 22 points and Walt Gibler added 17 points and 12 rebounds as Loyola University Chicago (5-7) rallied from a 36-32 deficit to record a 59-45 victory over Canisius (2-9) tonight at Koessler Athletic Center. The Ramblers scored 10 unanswered points in the second half to wipe out that four-point hole and seize control of the contest en route to their fourth straight victory.

"If you defend, you've got a chance to win," Loyola Head Coach Porter Moser said. "I'm proud of our fight and will to win. Our captains and seniors led us down the stretch."

Both teams struggled to get into much of a rhythm of offense in the opening half as Loyola connected on only 31 percent (9 for 29) of its field goal attempts while Canisius was limited to 38 percent (8 for 21) accuracy, and committed 10 turnovers.

Averkamp scored six of the Ramblers' final 10 points of the opening period as the Maroon and Gold wiped out an earl six-point deficit to take a 20-18 lead at the break.

A basket by Chris Manhertz and four straight points by Gaby Belardo with a hoop by Gibler thrown in the mix turned a 30-30 tie into a 36-32 Canisius lead with 8:15 remaining in the game. But, a jumper by Averkamp ignited a 10-0 Loyola run that gave the visitors a 42-36 advantage they would never surrender. The Ramblers hit their final 13 free throws, all coming in the final 3:32, and finished 19 for 20 from the foul line for the night.

Averkamp has now scored 20 or more points in four straight games and Gibler tallied his second double-double of the season. Christian Thomas added 10 points, one shy of a season high, and Loyola limited Canisius to 32 percent (18 for 57) shooting for the night.

Loyola takes a week off for Christmas before jumping back into Horizon League play on December 29 when it hosts Wright State.