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Some early surprises
Thursday didn't have massive upsets, but a few results could go a long way when it comes to at-large bids in March. Plus: Florida gets back on track, Marquette continues its recruiting roll, an MTE to love for Feast week, what to watch this weekend, and much more.
Tristan Freeman
November 07, 2025
Good morning! Ready for a weekend of college hoops?
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1. No late heroics this time for Loyola Chicago
Loyola Chicago escaped on Monday thanks to a buzzer-beater vs. Cleveland State. A Thursday matchup against Mercyhurst didn’t go as well.
The Ramblers, who were picked 5th in the Atlantic 10 preseason poll and favored by more than 20 points, found themselves trailing by 13 points with 14 minutes to go. And there wasn’t enough juice to complete a comeback as they lost 73-65 at home for a Quad 4 loss. Senior guard Bernie Blunt led all scorers with 27 points for Mercyhurst.
Only three players scored more than three points for the Ramblers. Guard Justin Moore (25 points and eight assists) and from guard Justin Moore and junior center Miles Rubin (16 points and seven rebounds) were bright spots.
It’s a disastrous start to the season for Loyola (1-1), whose at-large hopes may have already been dashed.
“It’s on me. I didn’t have my team ready to play,” coach Drew Valentine said afterward. But he’s confident they’ll rebound. “I think there are enough guys who care about basketball on this team.”
It’s a tough result for the A-10, which is trying to return to a multi-bid league for the NCAA Tournament. Losses like this won’t help.
For the winning Lakers (1-1), this is its best D-I win in program history. It’s their second year at this level, coming off a good 9-7 league campaign in the NEC.
2. Some surprising Missouri Valley outcomes + more results
Loyola Chicago wasn’t the only program with a head-scratching loss on Thursday. The Missouri Valley had two.
