Teddy Greenstein: Loyola making the most of life as a mid-major
MAKANDA, Ill. - Carbondale is small-town enough to have Saluki paws painted on its main drag. So a trip to Carbondale's sticks - at night, down a twisty, narrowing road - has Loyola's basketball players hearing the banjo twangs from "Deliverance."
From his front-row seat in the team bus, coach Porter Moser jokes about laying down some marshmallows so the Ramblers can find their way back. Forget Missouri - we're 40 miles from the Kentucky border.
The journey Tuesday to a dinner spot called "Giant City Lodge" ("Southern Illinois Hospitality at Its Best") is no more unusual, though, than the one the Ramblers have taken this season.
A team that hasn't had a winning conference record since 2007 has ruled the Missouri Valley, claiming the school's first regular-season title in three decades. A brainy school less known than Loyola Academy high school in some parts of Chicago sold out its arena for Saturday's game against Illinois State, a 68-61 victory that moved their record to 25-5.
The nav says to take a right at Giant City Lodge Road, but Moser insists it's a left. And he's correct. His sharpshooting players, who entered the weekend ranked No. 1 in the nation at 51.8 percent from the field, have the right guide.
We arrive to be greeted by manager Mikey Kelley, who mentions some canisters of maple syrup contain bourbon.
"Don't you be spiking us!" Moser jokes. "I know you Saluki fans."
The food is prepared upon arrival to maximize efficiency, and it is a feast: perfectly crisp fried chicken, waffles, dumplings, potatoes and gravy, corn and cole slaw. Water is the beverage of choice for Moser, who says he
