ST. LOUIS _ A fan at Scottrade Center held up a banner with 30 seconds left on the clock. The black letters spelled out "Party Like It's 1985."
Loyola Chicago's celebration started on Sunday.
The Ramblers' 65-49 Missouri Valley Conference championship earned them their first trip to the NCAA Tournament in 33 years. As the final horn sounded, Loyola players erupted in a huddle of celebration near their bench in front of fans in their maroon-and-gold scarves.
Loyola had wondered if it had done enough this season to earn an invitation to March Madness.
Fans crunched numbers and reviewed analytic websites Sunday morning, wondering if the Ramblers' No. 28 RPI and strong record would be enough to earn a tournament invitation from the selection committee even with a loss.
But the Ramblers erased what undoubtedly would have been a week of anxiety before Selection Sunday with the convincing victory against Illinois State.
The championship loss was the Redbirds' sixth in 11 seasons, including last season's defeat in the title game to Wichita State.
After an "Arch Madness" full of close games decided by fewer than 10 points, the Ramblers finally got a blowout, leading from start to finish. The win marked their first Valley tournament championship since joining five seasons ago.
They did it the way Loyola (28-5) has won all season _ precise passing, timely 3-pointers, balanced scoring.
Senior Donte Ingram led the way with 18 points. A four-point play off a dish from Ben Richardson in the first half was the momentum lift the Ramblers needed.
Freshman center Cameron Krutwig was dominant inside with 11 points and nine rebounds.
Richardson (eight points, five rebounds) left the game with 2:45 remaining after taking a hard spill on his back. He retreated to the locker room but returned a minute later and checked back into the game.
The Redbirds (18-15) were led by 12 points apiece from Phil Fayne and Milik Yarbrough.
