Nun-and-done: Loyola Chicago stuns top-seeded Illinois

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(AP) – Illinois has become the first No. 1 seed to be ousted from the NCAA Tournament. Eighth-seeded Loyola Chicago stunned the top seed in the Midwest 71-58.

Center Cameron Krutwig had 19 points and 12 rebounds and Lucas Williamson chipped in 14 points as the Ramblers led wire to wire, befuddling a powerful Illinois offense.

Illinois’ inside-out duo of center Kofi Cockburn and guard Ayo Dosunmu combined for 30 points, three assists and 11 rebounds, not enough to overcome the pesky Ramblers, who snared 12 steals.

Sister Jean Delores Schmidt, the Ramblers’ 101-year-old chaplain, received both COVID-19 shots and clearance to travel to Indianapolis. She offered an inspirational prayer for her team before the game.

The Ramblers now move on to the Sweet 16, three years after their last magical run to the Final Four. They’ll face either Oklahoma State or Oregon State.

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