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Oregon State upsets Loyola-Chicago, holds Ramblers to horrendous shooting performance to advance to Elite Eight
By Paul Harvey
Published:
The first Elite Eight team has been decided with 12-seed Oregon State securing a spot.
In the first Sweet 16 game of the weekend, the Beavers took on 8-seed Loyola-Chicago who was coming off a hot start to the NCAA Tournament. The Ramblers upset top-seed Illinois in the Round of 32 and were looking to keep March rolling right along.
Unfortunately for Sister Jean and Loyola, the Beavers had other plans. Oregon State built a lead as big as 14 points before the Ramblers attempted to mount a second-half comeback. Loyola did cut the lead as close as four points but was unable to get any closer.
A strong defensive effort by Oregon State was the theme of the afternoon as the Beavers were able to get stops time-and-time again. As a team, the Ramblers shot just 32% from the field and a disastrous 5-for-23 from deep. Cameron Krutwig led Loyola with 14 points and 10 rebounds but he was unable to get much help.
Lucas Williamson and Keith Clemons were severely hampered by Oregon State’s defense. The two combined to shoot 3-for-14 from three-point range.
For the Beavers, Ethan Thompson led the way offensively with a game-high 21 points on 6-for-13 shooting from the field. He also went a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line to help ice the game away.
Oregon State advances to the Elite Eight and will await the winner of the Syracuse vs Houston game.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.