CHICAGO — Next year marks the 100th anniversary of the first men’s basketball game between DePaul and Loyola, a made-for-Chicago rivalry that for years was an annual tradition.
But those days are gone, and after DePaul outlasted Loyola, 78-72, in overtime Saturday in a heart-pounding game at Gentile Arena, Ramblers coach Drew Valentine lamented the fact no game is scheduled for 2023-24.
“Hats off to them, it’s a fun rivalry,” Valentine said. “I hope that we get to continue it. As of now, De Paul, as far as I know, they don’t want to play it. I’m hoping it continues at some point because I think it does a lot for the city, and obviously I think our programs are at a very close level.
