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Loyola’s Ben Richardson signs with professional team in Poland

David J. Phillip / AP

After falling 69-57 to No. 3 seed Michigan in the Final Four, Ben Richardson buried his face under his jersey and cried, his arm slung around his best friend and teammate since third grade, Clayton Custer. The two walked down a hallwa at the Missouri Valley Conference tournament in the same manner, only happily recalling how they had won so many games together. This was likely the last time they would play on the same team together. "I'm proud to call him my best friend," Custer said of the senior.

John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune

Ben Richardson was the Missouri Valley Conference defensive player of the year and is known more for his ability to lock down an opponent rather than to score. His best friend and teammate Clayton Custer said he told Richardson to shoot more. Against No. 9 seed Kansas State, Richardson scored a career-high 23 points in a surprisingly decisive 78-62 victory as the Ramblers earned a trip to the Final Four.

John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune

Following up on Ingram's buzzer-beater, Clayton Custer hit a shot just about as dramatic to beat No. 3 seed Tennessee 63-62 in a second-round victory. The point guard knocked in a jumper with 3.6 seconds remaining, watching from his back on the court as the ball bounced off the rim, up to the top of the backboard and somehow rattled through the net. It was another big shot that proved the Ramblers were a fun team to watch through the tournament.

John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune

The lasting image from the Elite Eight in Atlanta when Loyola clinched a trip to the Final Four was coach Porter Moser hopping over a press-row table to kiss his wife and hug his four children who had watched from the front row. "Look at this. Are you kidding me?'' Moser shouted to the crowd before a net-cutting ceremony. "This is the way it's supposed to be.''

John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune

One row behind Loyola's team bench in the Elite Eight were members of the Ramblers' 1963 national championship team. The only college basketball team from the state of Illinois to ever win a title, the '63 team was forever made iconic by playing in the "Game of Change," which symbolically represented strides to integrate basketball. After the Ramblers beat Kansas State, they officially joined the 1963 team as the only Loyola squads to advance this far in the tournament. Former team captain Jerry Harkness predicted the Ramblers would win it all.

John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune

Ingram's buzzer-beater Donte Ingram's buzzer-beating 3-pointer to beat No. 6 seed Miami 64-62 in the first round of the NCAA tournament was a sign of the wild ride that was to come for Loyola. The Ramblers immediately became the talk of the tournament as they raced around the court in Dallas and celebrated in front of their loyal fans. Ingram, a senior, took a pass from Marques Townes and drained it with 0.3 seconds left on the clock.

Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

Loyola's team chaplain Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt became an "international celebrity" and said she had the time of her life at the tournament. That's saying something considering she is 98 years old. The lasting image of Sister Jean: Sitting in her wheelchair in the corner of the court after each victory receiving celebratory hugs from players. She traveled with the Ramblers from St. Louis at the Missouri Valley Conference tournament to stops in Dallas, Atlanta and San Antonio for the NCAA tournament, and the nation learned why Loyola players adore her.

John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune

In a 69-68 Sweet 16 victory against No. 7 Nevada in Atlanta, Marques Townes hit a crucial 3-pointer with 6.2 seconds left on the clock. Clayton Custer drove and kicked it out to Townes in the corner. The New Jersey native finished with 18 points.

Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune

Loyola knew it was in the tournament. It was assured of that after winning the Missouri Valley Conference tournament. But they celebrated like it was breaking news during a watch party with fans at Gentile Arena when the TBS telecast announced "Loyola-Chicago" was set to play Miami in the first round of the tournament in Dallas. Forward Aundre Jackson, a Texas native, called his mom from the stage he sat on with teammates to share the joy.

Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

Loyola returned to campus after the first two rounds of the tournament to a rally with 500 students and fans welcoming them home. Players marveled at the turnout compared with some of the tiny audiences they played in front of at Gentile Arena. Students held signs and chanted "L-U-C." "I'm glad they have something to cheer about," Marques Townes said. From the Rogers Park campus throughout the city of Chicago, Loyola inspired an impressive show of support from fans.