Watson and Norris help Loyola Chicago top No. 21 Dayton 77-72

CHICAGO, Ill. - CHICAGO (AP) — Des Watson scored 24 points and Braden Norris made two crucial 3-pointers down the stretch, finishing with 19 points and 11 assists as Loyola Chicago defeated No. 21 Dayton 77-72 on Friday night.

"Just a gritty win. We came into the game and talked about toughness and focus," head coach Drew Valentine said, according to Loyola sports information. "We knew it was going to be a high-level atmosphere and environment."

Philip Alston made a 3 to give the Ramblers a 69-65 lead with 3:03 left, but Koby Brea answered with a 3-pointer for Dayton. With 2:09 remaining, Norris drained a 3 to put Loyola Chicago up 72-68. DaRon Holmes II cut it to 72-70 with two free throws, but Norris iced the game with another 3 from the corner with 17 seconds to go.

Alston scored 13 points and Miles Rubin blocked four shots for the Ramblers (21-8, 13-3 Atlantic 10), who have won eight of nine.

Holmes had 20 points and nine rebounds for Dayton (22-6, 12-4), which has dropped two of three. Enoch Cheeks added 16 points.

"We needed to make sure we were the tougher team physically and tougher team mentally," head coach Drew Valentine said, according to Loyola sports information. "The focus remained on winning the game and getting it done. For us to respond as physical as we won this game was very impressive."