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It was never close.
Loyola Chicago announced to the basketball world that it belongs on the biggest stage in college basketball with a convincing 78-62 victory over Big 12 member Kansas State.
Senior Ben Richardson led the way with a career-high 23 points and the Ramblers shredded the vaunted K-State defense with 17 assists and a 57 percent shooting percentage. Richardson became the fourth different Rambler to lead the team in scoring in four NCAA Tournament games.
Loyola has reached the Final Four for the second time in school history. The last time was 1963 after the famous Game of Change when the Ramblers were the first team to start four African American players in the NCAA Tournament.
Marques Townes (13) and Donte Ingram (12) joined Richardson in double figures as the Rambers won their 14th-straight game, and now they play in the Final Four on Saturday. Ingram led the way with eight rebounds.
K-State (25-12) was led by Xavier Sneed’s 16 points.
Loyola (32-5) held an eight-rebound advantage over the Wildcats and made nine of 18 shots from long distance.