DES MOINES (AP) — Earl Peterson scored 20 points and Jeff White hit back-to-back jumpers in the final two minutes of overtime to help Loyola of Chicago hold off Drake, 80-75 on Wednesday night.
The victory clinches the No. 6 seed in the Missouri Valley Conference tournament for Loyola (17-12, 7-10) and a berth in the conference quarterfinals. Drake (9-20, 6-11) finishes seventh and will play an opening round tournament game.
Both teams shot well from the field. Loyola was 32 of 52 (61.5 percent), including 8 of 14 from distance. Drake was 30 of 53 (56.6 percent), with nine 3’s.
Christian Thomas added 20 points for the Ramblers, who outscored Drake 13-8 in overtime. Montel James finished with 14 points while White and Ben Richardson each added 12 points.
Jacob Enevold Jensen scored 21 points to lead the Bulldogs. Reed Timmer added 15.