Des Watson had 25 points in Loyola’s 72-64 win over Saint Louis on Friday in the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament quarterfinals in Washington.
The Ramblers (22-10) took the lead with 16:17 remaining in the first half and did not relinquish it. Watson led the way in the first half with 14 points as Loyola took a 38-30 lead at the break. He also had a team-high 11 points in the second half.
Loyola will play top-seeded VCU in the semifinals Saturday (noon, CBSSN).
Watson shot 7 of 14 from the field, including 3 for 5 from 3-point range, and went 8 for 9 from the line for the Ramblers. Jayden Dawson scored 12 points, shooting 5 for 14, including 1 for 6 from beyond the arc. Sheldon Edwards shot 4 for 8, including 2 for 5 from beyond the arc to finish with 10 points.
The Billikens (19-14) were led in scoring by Isaiah Swope, who finished with 30 points. Robbie Avila added 12 points, six rebounds and two blocks.