Jan 10, 2002

Box Score

MILWAUKEE - Vasilis Tsimpliavidis scored 25 points, David Bailey 19 and Silvije Turkovic 14 Thursday night, as Loyola defeated UWM 91-87 to take over sole possesion of first place in the Horizon League.

Milwaukee (7-8, 2-1) was led by Ronnie Jones with 23 points and Clay Tucker with 19.

Milwaukee's Adrian Tigert made a layup to tie the score for the fifth time in the second half at 78-78. But Turkovic scored with 2:50 remaining to put Loyola ahead 80-78, Bailey nailed a 3-pointer with 73 seconds left to boost the lead to five points and the Ramblers held on to win.

"We made enough tough shots and got enough stops and rebounds to pull this game out," Loyola coach Larry Farmer said. "What can you say about Vas. We asked him to guard a point guard and make open shots."

The Ramblers shot nearly 60 percent from the field for the game and made 29-of-36 free throws in claiming the win.

"Obviously that was where the game was won and lost," UWM head coach Bruce Pearl said. "They made 29 free throws. That's a lot of free throws. I think the key was them getting to the foul line. I thought we did a good job on Bailey. Our defense was pesky but not solid."

UWM shot just 43 percent but hung in the game by grabbing 13 offensive rebounds and forcing 21 Loyola turnovers.

The Panthers return to action Saturday night, facing UIC in a battle for sole possession of second place in the Horizon League. The game tips off at 7 p.m. at the Klotsche Center.