Loyola Chicago upsets top-seeded Illinois in NCAA tournament after Sister Jean’s pregame prayer

Loyola Chicago has ousted top-seeded Illinois from the NCAA tournament after an inspirational pregame prayer from Sister Jean Delores Schmidt.

Cameron Krutwig had 19 points and 12 rebounds for the eighth-seeded Ramblers, who advanced to the Sweet 16 with their 71-58 upset of the Fighting Illini in Sunday’s second round.

Sister Jean, the 101-year-old chaplain to the team, said before the game, “As we play the Fighting Illini, we ask for special help to overcome this team and get a great win. We hope to score early and make our opponents nervous. We have a great opportunity to convert rebounds as this team makes about 50% of layups and 30% of its 3 points. Our defense can take care of that.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.