GAME NOTES: Horizon League action will take place this evening, as the Loyola- Chicago Ramblers host the Youngstown State Penguins at the Gentile Center. The Penguins have struggled of late, losing four consecutive contests, including a tough, 66-58 setback to Wisconsin-Green Bay this past Saturday. The recent losing skid has dropped the Penguins to 3-7 in league action. YSU has also struggled away from home, posting a 2-8 ledger on the road. As for the Ramblers, they grabbed a thrilling 65-63 victory over Valparaiso this past weekend. However, it was just the second win in the last eight games for Loyola, which is also 3-7 in conference play. The Ramblers are just 7-13 on the year, but five of those wins have come at the Gentile Center. This series is currently knotted at nine games apiece, however the Ramblers have a 7-2 mark against YSU at the Gentile Center.

The Penguins have had some trouble offensively this season, as the team is netting just 64.8 ppg, while shooting 42.4 percent from the floor. Byron Davis has been the top option for YSU, as the guard is netting 15.1 ppg, while also leading the team with 58 assists. John Barber has been the best source of production in the paint for YSU, and is currently netting 13.5 ppg to go along with a team-best 7.0 rpg. Jack Liles rounds out the double-figure scorers, as the guard is chipping in 10.8 ppg. The last time the Penguins were on the floor, they only scored 58 points in a loss to Wisconsin-Green Bay. YSU shot 38.0 percent from the field, and made just 4-of-14 attempts from behind the arc. Vytas Sulskis led the way with 19 points and six rebounds, while Davis and Liles contributed 16 and 12 points, respectively. As for Barber, he struggled big time, making just 1-of-12 attempts from the floor, en route to a two-point effort.

The Ramblers have also struggled offensively this season, as the team is producing a mere 62.2 ppg, while shooting only 40.7 percent from the floor. J.R. Blount has been the top scorer for Loyola, as the guard is netting 15.9 ppg. Leon Young has been the main source of offense in the paint, and is averaging 12.1 ppg, while also collecting 6.3 rpg. Justin Cerasoli is the only other player netting double figures, as the guard is chipping in 11.4 ppg. The last time Loyola was on the court the team only scored 65 points, but it was enough to slip past Valpo by a two-point margin. In the win, the Ramblers shot 46.8 percent from the field and made 7-of-14 attempts from behind the arc. Blount led the way with 19 points. Andy Polka added 11 points and grabbed six boards, while Cerasoli chipped in 10 points.

Neither team has performed well offensively, but the Ramblers have a strong edge defensively and since they will be in front of the home crowd, expect Loyola to grab a victory.