Averkamp scores 17 as Loyola (IL) overcomes sluggish start to edge St. Peter's 54-49

JERSEY CITY, N.J. – Ben Averkamp scored 17 points, 13 from the foul line, to lead Loyola (IL) to a 54-49 victory over St. Peter's Saturday.

The Ramblers (8-3) won it at the foul line, where they had a huge advantage. Averkamp was a perfect 13 for 13 as St. Peter's sank 23 of 31 foul shots. St. Peter's (5-6) went 6 for 19 at the stripe.

Both teams started sluggishly, with the Peacocks leading 17-16 at the break despite shooting 29.6 percent (8 for 27, 0 for 4 on treys). Loyola was even worse, making just 5 of 20 from the field and missing 5 of 6 3-pointers.

Each team warmed up in the second half, but Loyola rode Averkamp and its foul shooting to the win.

Joe Crisman led Loyola with 12 points on 5 for 5 shooting. Yvon Raymond was the lone Peacock in double figures with 17 points.