Dec. 5, 2008

Box Score

Edwardsville, Ill. - With the offense struggling to find its rhythm, Loyola relied on its defense, holding SIU Edwardsville to 23% shooting for the game in a 56-42 win tonight in Edwardsville, Ill. The Ramblers improve to 4-2 with their second straight win while the Cougars drop to 1-7 with the loss.

Elyse VanBogaert was a bright spot for the Ramblers in the first half, notching her second straight double-double by halftime (10 points, 10 rebounds) as Loyola took a 29-20 lead into the locker room despite 19 turnovers.

After a sluggish start to the second half, the Ramblers finally found their feet, opening their largest lead of the game (48-35) after a Maggie McCloskey free throw at the 8:31 mark. However, they were unable to extend it and a five-minute drought allowed SIUE to creep within six, but a nice drive from Ellen Ayoub helped stem and increase the lead. Loyola's defense helped close it out as the Ramblers held SIUE scoreless over the final 3:52 of the contest. For the game, Loyola forced 20 turnovers and allowed just 16 made field goals.

Keisha Collins led the Ramblers with 14 points while VanBogaert, who battled foul trouble in the second half, finished with 12 points and 13 boards.

Loyola returns to action on Sunday afternoon, returning to the Gentile Center to take on DePaul. Tip time is set for 4 p.m. and the game can be seen live on Lakeshore Public Television.

A more detailed recap will follow.