Loyola Chicago Tops Bradley In MVC Opener

CHICAGO (AP) — Christian Thomas scored 20 points on 7-of-8 shooting and Loyola of Chicago pushed past Bradley 64-49 in the Missouri Valley Conference opener for both teams on Wednesday.

Devon Turk added 19 points and Milton Doyle had seven with five assists for the Ramblers (11-2, 1-0), who have won seven straight games. Loyola shot 46.7 percent from the field and has held five of its last six opponents under 50 points.

Auston Barnes led the Braves (5-9, 0-1) with 10 points, Ka'Darryl Bell had nine and Josh Cunningham added eight with 10 rebounds. Barnes and Tramique Sutherland, two of Bradley's leading scorers, were held to a combined 8-of-24 shooting.

Turk hit two 3-pointers, three free throws and a layup during a 27-6 surge that sent the Ramblers to a 37-23 halftime advantage. Bradley pulled within eight with 14:36 remaining, but Loyola buckled down and led by as much as 19 late.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press.