CHICAGO, Ill. - The Alabama State men's basketball team played on the road for the fourth time in five contests.  The Hornets could not overcome a poor shooting night as they fell to Loyola University 74-46 from the Gentile Center in Chicago.  The loss dropped the hornets to 1-4 overall meanwhile Loyola improved to 6-0.

ASU guard Jeff Middlebrooks came off of the bench to score 11 first half points on his way to a team-high 13.  Ivory White chipped in nine points.

The Ramblers were led by Ben Averkamp and Geoff McCammon who both had 13 points.  Hot-shooting Loyola's kept the pressure on the entire game and built their largest lead at 60-38 with 12 minutes to go in the game.  It was the third game for ASU who played without their leading scorer Kenderek Washington whose battling back from an injury.

“It's hard enough trying to win on the road”.  Head coach Lewis Jackson said.  “When you turn the ball over and shoot poorly from the free-throw line it makes it easier for your opponent”.  ASU shot 27% percent from the line and committed 19 turnovers with 13 coming in the first half.

The ASU men will remain off until Saturday when they'll face Central Florida.  Tipoff from Orlando is slated for 4 pm.