BALTIMORE – Chicago State University cut a one-time nine-point Loyola University Maryland lead to two with 3:53 left in the first half, but the Greyhounds closed the frame on a 13-2 run to go up 42-29 at the break on Wednesday night in Reitz Arena. Loyola then scored five of the first seven in the second half, to run away for a 78-64 non-conference win.
 
Alonso Faure scored five of his nine points during the final three minutes of the first half, and Cam Spencer and Kenneth Jones both scored five, as well during the overall 18-4 stretch.
 
Jaylin Andrews made 4 of 6 from 3-point range and finished with a game-high 20 points for Loyola, while Jones was one off his season-highs in points and assists, tallying 15 and seven.
 
Spencer added 13 points, seven assists, six rebounds and four steals, while Veljko Ilic scored 10, and his twin brother, Milos, finished with nine.
 
The win was Loyola's third in a row.
 
Loyola (4-4 overall) led by nine on three occasions in the first half, lastly with 10:34 on the clock as Veljko Ilic converted two in the paint, but the Cougars rallied to get within a pair twice over the next six minutes.
 
A Greyhounds turnover led to a three by Favour Chukwukelu at 3:53, and it was a 29-27 Loyola lead.
 
Faure grabbed an offensive rebound on the next Greyhounds possession and was fouled going to the rim. He made the first free throw but missed the second, only to grab another board and lay-in an attempt to complete a reverse three-point play.
 
Jones then connected on two free throws, and Faure caught a Milos Ilic feed for a layup to push the lead back to nine, 36-27, at 2:13.
 
Spencer came up with one of his four steals on the next possession and threw ahead to Jones who was fouled in transition. Jones made both free throws to put the lead into double digits with 55 seconds left in the first half, and the margin would stay above 10 for the rest of the game.
 
Loyola had more than 20 assists for the second time in three games, finishing with 22 as Spencer and Jones combined for 14. Milos Ilic added a career-high four.
 
Brandon Betson and Jahsean Corbett led Chicago State with 15 points each.
 
The Greyhounds continue their homestand on Saturday, December 4, as Mount St. Mary's visits Reitz Arena for a men's and women's doubleheader. The men tip off at 1 p.m. with the women following at 5 p.m.