Loyola of Chicago handles Southern Utah 73-57

CHICAGO (AP) — Christian Thomas scored 18 points and Loyola of Chicago took control early for a 73-57 win over Southern Utah on Friday in the Las Vegas Classic.

Devon Turk and Montel James scored 13 points apiece and Jeff White had 10 for the Ramblers (8-2). Loyola went 15 of 21 from the free throw line while Southern Utah was just 1 of 4.

Loyola jumped out to a 12-2 lead as Thomas scored seven points and the Ramblers scored the last eight points of the half as White and Thomas hit 3-pointers for a 38-20 lead.

A.J. Hess had 13 points and James McGee hit 4 of 7 3-pointers for 12 points to lead the Thunderbirds (2-6).

Loyola had a 40-31 advantage on the boards with James, Thomas and Joe Crisman grabbing eight. That gave the Ramblers a 32-20 advantage in the paint and 13-0 on second chance points.