Averkamp lifts Loyola of Chicago past Toledo 57-55

TOLEDO, Ohio — Ben Averkamp scored a career-high 31 points and hit the game-winning 15-footer at the buzzer to lift Loyola of Chicago past Toledo 57-55 Saturday.

The Ramblers (2-7) ended a three-game skid while the Rockets (6-3) have lost two straight after a six-game winning streak.

Loyola led 17-9 when Toledo reeled off 17 straight points, capped by a 3-pointer by Rian Pearson, who finished with 20 points.

The Rockets led 33-25 at the break and stretched their advantage to 13 early in the second half.

The Ramblers regained the lead at 54-53 with 58 seconds left on a three-point play by Christian Thomas, who had nine points and 13 rebounds.

Denzel Brito added a free throw for Loyola, then Julius Brown hit two foul shots with 36 seconds left to tie it. After Reese Holliday blocked Averkamp’s attempt with 3 seconds to go, each team had a turnover before Averkamp’s game-winner.