Journal Star sports reporter
ST. LOUIS -- A 14-4 spurt midway through the second half ignited Loyola to a 74-66 victory over Bradley on Thursday night in the play-in round of the Missouri Valley Conference tournament at Scottrade Center.
Bradley ends its season at 5-27, while Loyola (15-16) advances to Friday's noon quarterfinal against top seed Wichita State.
The score was tied at 41 when the Ramblers went on a 7-0 run and soon held a 55-45 lead. BU rallied to within five twice and trailed by only 63-57 before a Montel James layup and a long 3-pointer by Earl Peterson sealed it for Loyola.