Loyola out to show run to Final Four last season no fluke

CHICAGO (AP) — Loyola-Chicago charmed the nation last season with a stunning Final Four run that turned a 98-year-old nun named Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt into a national — no, international — celebrity.

The Ramblers know what comes next: Everyone else's best shot.

With three starters back from a team that became the feel-good story of the NCAA Tournament, Loyola won't be catching anyone by surprise. The Ramblers set a program record for victories at 32-6 and come in looking to show last season was no fluke.

"I think we've really been embraced," coach Porter Moser said. "It's been really cool. ... This is what I wanted. I wanted our program to be relevant."

For a program that was largely an afterthought a year ago, things sure have changed.

Loyola went from drawing crowds of about 1,500 early on to packing in nearly 5,000 for the final regular-season game. The Ramblers beat a top five team on the road for the first time when they knocked off No. 5 Florida in December. And when March rolled around, that's when the madness really picked up.

They won the Missouri Valley Conference tournament to reach the NCAAs for the first time since 1985 and rolled to their first Final Four since the 1963 team busted racial barriers on the way to the championship. There were plenty of memorable moments along the way, from Dante Ingram's buzzer-beating 3 to beat Miami to that friendly bounce on Clayton Custer's jumper in the closing seconds against Tennessee and Marques Townes' decisive 3 to beat Nevada in the Sweet 16.

They seemed at times to have some help from above to go with a spiritual lift from Sister Jean, now 99. There were bobbleheads and shirts, not to mention social media memes and shout-outs to her from dignitaries such as former President Barack Obama.

The run ended with a loss to Michigan in the semifinals. But the Ramblers are out to show last season was just the beginning.

Loyola rewarded Moser — 121-111 in seven seasons at the school — with a new contract through the 2025-26 season. A new practice facility is under construction. And the team comes into the season with its sights set high.

The Ramblers lost two of their top four scorers in Donte Ingram and Aundre Jackson as well as Missouri Valley Defensive Player of the Year Ben Richardson. But they have the reigning MVC Player of the Year back in Custer as well as the conference freshman of the year in Krutwig.

"Why not us? Why can't we be like the Wichita (States), the Gonzagas — all those types of schools that had sustained success year after year?" guard Marques Townes said.

The opener against UMKC is at home on Nov. 6:

ON GUARD

Moser has made a big point of staying focused and not thinking too far ahead. He also talked to coaches whose teams experienced drop-offs after breakout seasons.

"Some of them told me sometimes your guys want to skip the process and get to March again," he said. "March was such an emotional, awesome high as a player ... that they just want to get there. They're just constantly thinking about that, that, that."

FILL IT UP

Loyola can expect to play in front of big crowds this year. The school said season tickets in the lower bowl at Gentile Arena are sold out. Revenue from season tickets is up 309 percent and for single-game tickets, it's more than 2,200 percent.

SLIMMER, TRIMMER

Expect to see a slimmer Krutwig in the post. The 6-foot-9, 255-pound center focused on getting leaner in the offseason in an effort to build his mobility and stamina. And he's noticing a difference on the court.

"I'll be able to play longer, be able to play at a high level longer," said Krutwig, who averaged 10.5 point and 6.1 rebounds as a freshman.

THE REPLACEMENTS

Guard Lucas Williamson figures to step into Richardson's role after seeing significant time as a freshman last season. He played 20.2 minutes per game, averaging 4.7 points and 2.2 rebounds. With their leading rebounder Ingram gone, Aher Uguak could play an important role after sitting out last season following a transfer from New Mexico. Highly touted freshman Franklin Agunanne could also see significant time.

BACKING UP

The Ramblers have experience in the backcourt, with Custer and Townes now seniors. They were one-two in scoring last season at 13.2 and 11.1 points, respectively. Both shot over 50 percent and combined for 86 steals.