AP Photo/David Goldman
- The Loyola-Chicago Ramblers are once again making a surprise run through March Madness.
- With the Ramblers is team chaplain Sister Jean, who became the star of the team's 2018 run.
- Before beating Illinois, she offered a prayer for victory that sounded more like a scouting report.
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The Loyola-Chicago Ramblers are once again making noise during March Madness.
In 2018, the Ramblers were the Cinderella story of the tournament, making a Final Four run as an 11-seed and winning plenty of fans along the way. This year, the Ramblers entered the tournament as an 8-seed but already proved they are ready to play for the title with a win over No. 1 Illinois on Sunday.
As in 2018, the Ramblers' star is not a player but rather team chaplain and superfan, Sister Jean. At 101, Sister Jean was still able to make it to March Madness in Indianapolis this year, and on Sunday, blessed the team with a prayer that included some impressive knowledge of their opponents.
"As we play the Fighting Illini, we ask for special help to overcome this team and get a great win," Jean said in her prayer. "We hope to score early and make our opponents nervous. We have a great opportunity to convert rebounds as this team makes about 50% of layups and 30% of its 3 points. Our defense can take care of that."
-The Athletic (@TheAthletic) March 21, 2021
Jean's blessing was proven largely correct throughout the game - the Ramblers jumped out to an early lead to put the Illini on their heels. They out-rebounded the Illini 30-27. And their defense held Illinois to just 45% shooting from the field and 29% from three.
Sister Jean laid out the game plan, and the Ramblers executed en route to a 71-58 victory.
With the win, the Ramblers are now set to face No. 12 Oregon State in the Sweet 16 this Saturday and are just four wins away from a national championship. With the help of Sister Jean's scouting report, the Ramblers are ready to make a run.