André Curbelo and Illinois are eliminated in the NCAA tournament

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the boricua André Curbelo and the University of Illinois were another stunning casualty this afternoon in the NCAA Basketball Championship Tournament in Fallen Defeat 71-58 in the second round of the event against the Ramblers of Loyola University in Chicago .

Illinois entered the game as the first seeded in the Midwest section of the championship tournament. Chicago was the eighth seeded. Big10 Conference Champions, Illinois (20-6) was second in the NCAA, behind undefeated Gonzaga (27-0).

This NCAA championship tournament has once again been characterized by surprises. Defending champion Virginia fell to Ohio State in the first round, as did seventh seed UConn to Maryland.

Playing in Indianapolis, Loyola won the first half today over Illinois by 33-24 after a 5-0 lead by the Fighting Illini in the final minute of action.

Curbelo finished the first half with five points, four assists and four rebounds.

The Puerto Rican finished the game with nine points, seven assists and four rebounds.

The Ramblers also contained Illinois in the second half. They doubled their defense at the top of the court, causing problems with the ball movement of the favorites.

André Curbelo, in defensive management, finished the game with nine points, seven assists and four rebounds.
André Curbelo, in defensive management, finished the game with nine points, seven assists and four rebounds. (Mark Humphrey)

Loyola went into the final five minutes in a 52-42 lead and extended her double-digit margin to 3:52 on the clock, when she was winning 61-50.

With free throws from Kofi Cockburn and basket from Curbelo, Illinois came close 65-58 with 1:36 to play. But Chicago pulled well off the line with Lucas Williamson and Marquise Kennedy to take off again to double-digit advantage in the final minute.

Two free throws from Braden Norris put the score at 71-58 and in safe with 48 seconds to play.

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