CHICAGO, ILL. – The shorthanded La Salle men's basketball team (7-16, 3-7 A-10) fell 71-61 to Loyola Chicago (6-18, 2-9 A-10) in an Atlantic 10 matchup at Gentile Arena on Tuesday night.

Graduate student guard Jaeden Marshall led the Explorers with 18 points, moving within 25 points of the 1,000 mark for his career. Sophomore guard Jaden Johnson delivered his best performance in a La Salle uniform, tallying a season-high 16 points and eight assists, while also recording three steals. Freshman guard Ashton Walker added 10 points, a career-high eight rebounds and four assists.

Sophomore guard Jaden Johnson delivered his best performance in a La Salle uniform, tallying a season-high 16 points and eight assists, while also recording three steals.

Freshman guard Ashton Walker added 10 points, a career-high eight rebounds and four assists.

La Salle opened the game on a 12-0 run, with Marshall capping the surge with a 3-pointer, and held Loyola scoreless for over four minutes. The Ramblers responded with a push of their own to pull back even, and the teams traded baskets throughout the rest of the first half. Walker hit a jumper with one second left to send the game into halftime tied at 30.

The Explorers and Ramblers continued to battle early in the second half, but Loyola Chicago seized control midway through the frame. A three-pointer by Xavier Amos sparked a decisive run, giving the Ramblers an 11-point lead with just over nine minutes remaining. La Salle, who was playing without key starters Jerome Brewer Jr. and Josiah Harris, struggled to generate offense down the stretch.

Up Next

La Salle returns to Atlantic 10 action Saturday, Feb. 7, visiting Saint Louis at Chaifetz Arena. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m., with live coverage available at goexplorers.com.