Recap: Loyola-Chicago vs. Ill-Chicago

Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Led by a double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds from Christian Thomas, the Loyola-Chicago Ramblers downed the Illinois-Chicago Flames, 69-60, in a Horizon League bout at Gentile Arena.

The point total was a career-high for Thomas, while Jordan Hicks added 18 points for the Ramblers (14-12, 4-9 Horizon), who snapped a four-game losing streak. Devon Turk chipped in 10 points in the triumph.

Marc Brown led the Flames (15-11, 6-7) with 13 points, while Gary Talton and Hayden Humes each finished with 10 points. Talton also dished out eight assists paired with just one turnover.

Loyola shot very well to start the contest, knocking down 51.9 percent of its shots from the field in the first half, as it took a 36-23 lead at the break. UIC was held to just 35.7 percent from the field in the opening 20 minutes, including 3-of-12 from beyond the 3-point arc.

The Flames attempted their comeback after halftime by shooting 51.7 percent from the field. The Ramblers shot just 40.7 percent in the second half but outscored the Flames 10-5 from the free-throw line. UIC got as close as four late in the game, but the Ramblers were able to hold on for the victory.

Loyola outscored UIC in the paint, 36-32, and won the rebounding battle, 35-30.