CHICAGO (AP) - Earl Peterson scored 16 points to lead Loyola-Chicago past Louisiana-Monroe 65-58 Monday in the opener of the College Basketball Invitational championship series.
Christian Thomas had 12 points, Montel James added 11 and Devon Turk 10 to help the Ramblers (23-13) shake off a two-point halftime deficit to take command in the second half.
The best-of-three series continues Wednesday.
OVERSET FOLLOWS: to Monroe, La., for Game 2 on Wednesday, and Game 3 - if necessary - on Friday.
Jamaal Samuel scored 15 points to lead the Warhawks (24-13). Tylor Ongwae had 12 points and 11 rebounds, Justin Roberson added 11 points and Majok Deng had 10.