PITTSBURGH — No more March magic for Loyola. Not until next time, anyway. The 10th-seeded Ramblers traveled here hoping to find more of that special stuff that defined them in 2018 and 2021. Instead, in Friday’s first round of the NCAA Tournament against seventh-seeded Ohio State, they found a rugged Big Ten defense waiting for them and manhole covers atop the baskets. To the Buckeyes (20-12) went a 54-41 game that was expected to be a toss-up. They’ll face either Villanova or Delaware on Sunday. The Ramblers (25-8) go into an offseason of transition, with long-timers Lucas Williamson and Aher Uguak among those preparing to say goodbye. Player-wise, it closes the book on a wonderful run that began with a stirring Final Four season, captured new fans and brought big-time respect to Rogers Park. But first, all involved with this quick exit will close their eyes tonight and see a…
Continue Reading: Ohio State 54, Loyola 41: Ice-cold Ramblers bounced from Big Dance in first round
