Loyola-Chicago's Cinderella run continues with last-second upset of Tennessee for Sweet 16 berth
DALLAS — Sister Jean and Loyola-Chicago are headed for the Sweet 16.
Buoyed in part by its 98-year-old team chaplain, Sister Jean Dolores-Schmidt, the 11th-seeded Loyola Ramblers upset the third-seeded Tennessee 63-62 Saturday night.
During the team’s pregame prayer, Sister Jean told the Ramblers not to be afraid of the third-seeded Volunteers’ height.
“Height doesn’t mean that much,’’ she said. “You’re good jumpers, you’re good rebounders, you’re good at everything.
“Just keep that in mind.’’
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The beloved nun was right. But it wasn’t easy.
After pulling ahead by 10 points with 4:04, Loyola barely withstood a furious comeback by Tennessee, who hit some clutch threes late. The Volunteers then led by one after a three-point-play by Grant Williams with 21 seconds left.
But Clayton Custer’s jumper took a friendly bounce off the rim and in with 3.6 seconds left.
“The only thing I can say, glory to God for that one,” Custer said. “The ball bounced on the rim and I got a good bounce.”
Loyola, making its first appearance in the NCAA tournament in 33 years, fell behind 15-6 early and then surged back. By halftime the Ramblers led 29-25 as they asserted themselves against their bigger and taller opponents.
Loyola outrebounded Tennessee 27-24.
By winning Saturday, Loyola proved it wasn't a one-hit wonder following its buzzer-beating win over Miami. The Ramblers (30-5) dominated the Missouri Valley Conference during the regular season and have carried that winning swagger over to Dallas. Next up, a Sweet 16 battle against the winner of Nevada and Cincinnati in Atlanta next week.
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