Robinson’s 26-point double-double lifts Ramblers to sectional-title bout on Friday

Donovan Robinson erupted for 26 points and 10 rebounds as Loyola Academy boys basketball outlasted Niles North 45-42 on Wednesday night in an IHSA Class 4A New Trier Sectional semifinal in Winnetka.

Robinson’s final two points were the most crucial, giving his team a three-point lead with just a few seconds remaining.

Fellow senior Brendan Loftus added 8 points and 12 rebounds, while junior Trey Williams tallied 7 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists.

With the victory, the Ramblers improved to 26-8 in their eighth consecutive 20-win campaign (not including 2020-’21, a shortened season). They advance to the sectional championship for the first time since 2020 — a game that was not played as the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic caused the cancellation of the IHSA tournament.

That year, the Ramblers were to play Evanston, a familiar playoff foe that awaits them this year as well. The No. 1 Wildkits disposed of Lane Tech on Tuesday, March 4, and will take on the No. 2 Ramblers at 6 p.m. Friday, March 7, at New Trier.

The matchup renews a playoff rivalry that saw the neighboring programs match up in the postseason five times from 2015-2020. All four of the played games resulted in Evanston victories.

Loyola and Evanston also met earlier this season, when the Wildkits handed the Ramblers a 49-33 loss.

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