CHICAGO (Interstat) — In a game defined by rugged defense and missed opportunities, the Loyola Chicago Ramblers leaned on a dominant interior presence to outlast the Princeton Tigers 73-68 in a nonconference men’s basketball game Saturday at Joseph Gentile Center.

A crowd of 2,699 saw the Ramblers improve to 3-7, while Princeton fell to 3-9.

The decisive stretch came late in the second half, with Loyola Chicago clinging to a narrow lead. After Princeton’ Jack Stanton hit a 3-pointer to cut the Ramblers’ lead to 70-68 with just over a minute remaining, the Tigers had a chance to tie or take the lead. On the ensuing possession, Stanton drove to the basket but had his layup emphatically swatted away by Loyola Chicago’s Miles Rubin with 14 seconds left.

Rubin, a 6-foot-10 sophomore from Chicago, was the game’s most impactful player, recording a double-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds and five blocked shots. His final block preserved the lead and led to a free throw by Kymany Houinsou that extended the advantage to 73-68, effectively sealing the outcome.

The game was a struggle for offensive rhythm throughout. Both teams managed only two assists apiece, highlighting a contest dominated by individual efforts and physical defense. Princeton’s offensive struggles were particularly pronounced, as the Tigers shot just 35.5% from the field and 26.5% from 3-point range. Despite those woes, they stayed close by converting 15 of 16 free throws and winning the offensive rebounding battle 11-5, which led to 13 second-chance points.

Loyola Chicago found more consistent success by attacking the paint, outscoring Princeton 36-24 inside. The Ramblers shot 50% from the field but were hampered by 17-of-26 shooting from the foul line and committed nine turnovers.

Justin Moore led all scorers for Loyola Chicago with 21 points and added six assists. Kayde Dotson contributed 13 points and six rebounds. For Princeton, Stanton led the way with 14 points, while Jackson Hicke and Sebastian Whitfield added 13 and 10 points, respectively. Whitfield also grabbed seven rebounds.

The first half set the tone for a tight, defensive battle. Princeton built an early 17-5 lead, fueled by Hicke’s aggressive drives, but Loyola Chicago responded with a 15-2 run, taking its first lead at 20-19 on a Chuck Love 3-pointer. The teams traded blows for the remainder of the half, with the Ramblers taking a 30-28 lead into the break after a late 3-pointer from Dotson.

The second half saw nine lead changes and five ties. Princeton briefly regained the lead early, but Loyola Chicago steadily built a cushion, going up by as many as seven points. Each time the Tigers threatened, the Ramblers had an answer, often from Moore driving to the basket or Rubin protecting the rim. Princeton’s last lead came at 49-48 with just over nine minutes to play before a 7-0 Loyola Chicago run, capped by a Rubin tip-in, gave the Ramblers the lead for good.

The game’s statistical profile underscored the defensive struggle. Princeton scored 108.6 points per 100 possessions, while Loyola Chicago posted a slightly more efficient 110.0. The Ramblers’ ability to generate higher-percentage shots inside, coupled with their rim protection led by Rubin, proved to be the critical difference.

Princeton will look to snap a four-game losing streak when it hosts Merrimack on Wednesday. Loyola Chicago, which has won two of its last three, will host Chicago State next Sunday.