Jan. 19, 2006
Box Score
Indianapolis, Ind. - Senior Danielle Lonie posted game-highs of 27 points and 11 rebounds but Loyola's second-half comeback fell short in an 85-72 setback tonight against Butler at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind. The Ramblers drop to 1-16 (1-5 Horizon) while Butler improves to 8-8 (4-2) with its second straight win.
The game was even through the first 10 minutes, with each team being plagued by missed opportunities on the offensive end. Trailing 11-8, Loyola got a three-pointer from Mandy Mennella and a hoop from Jenna Real to take a 13-11 lead but Butler responded by scoring the next eight points to open a 19-13 lead at the 8:52 mark. Consecutive hoops later in the period from Lonie helped the Ramblers draw within five (24-19) but the hosts were able to maintain the lead and took a nine-point lead (36-27) into the locker room. Poor finishing around the basket led to LU shooting just 42% in the opening 20 minutes and Butler enjoyed a 10-1 edge from the foul line in the period to account for its halftime lead.
Both teams executed much better in the second half but it was Butler that made a move first, converting a pair of turnovers into baskets which helped it build the lead to 15 less than three minutes into the half. However, Loyola hung in there and battled right back. Hoops from Jana Lucas and Mennella got the Ramblers back into an offensive flow and a Mennella trey minutes later made it a 12-point game with 11 minutes to play. Butler and center Lade Akande were able to keep Loyola at bay throughout the middle portion of the half but LU made one last push. Consecutive hoops inside from Lonie finally got the deficit down to 10 (71-61) at the 4:19 mark but, with the Ramblers in need of a defensive stop, Butler's Jackie Closser drilled a long three-pointer from the top to boost the lead back up to 13 and Loyola could not get over the hump the rest of the way
Lonie was nearly unstoppable in the second half, scoring 18 of her career-high 27 points after halftime, and added 11 boards for her first double-double of the season. Mennella joined her in double figures, finishing with 11 points. Marquise Hanser tied her season-low with just nine points but she contributed seven rebounds and five assists while committing just one turnover. Akande led Butler with 22 points.
"We listened to our coaches and came out and played great team basketball tonight," said Lonie. "My teammates did a great job of finding me inside in positions to score. It is my senior year and I try to leave everything I have on the floor every night so I have no regrets at the end of the season."
Loyola returns home and opens a four-game homestand on Saturday when it takes on Wright State at the Gentile Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m.
