March 6, 2010

Box Score

CHICAGO - Visiting Butler used 54 points in the paint to knock off Loyola, 73-46, in the regular-season finale for both teams this afternoon at the Gentile Center. The Ramblers wrap up its most successful regular season since 2001-02 with a 15-14 mark, 9-9 in the Horizon League, while the Bulldogs secured the No. 2 seed in next week's tournament, finishing at 21-8 (14-4).

Loyola was forced to play from behind early on after a hot start from Butler's Melanie Thornton helped stake the Bulldogs to the lead. A three-point play from Keisha Collins and a three-point basket from Maggie McCloskey pulled the Ramblers within a point (15-14) midway through the first half but Butler rattled off the next six to restore a seven-point margin. The Ramblers hung around, getting baskets from Ellen Ayoub and Monica Albano to stay within striking distance but, just like in the first meeting, the last six minutes of the first half proved vital. Eight points from Thornton highlighted a 16-5 BU spurt that gave the visitors a 40-25 lead at halftime.

The Ramblers tried to claw their way back in the second half but were plagued by cold shooting, hitting just 6-of-21 shots (28.6%) after the break as Butler was able to pull away.

Loyola honored its accomplished senior class of Collins, Shannon Finnegan, Jessica Hylton, McCloskey and Elyse VanBogaert before the game and VanBogaert was the only Rambler in double figures, finishing with 12 points. Collins chipped in with nine points, six rebounds and five assists. Thornton led Butler with a game-high 24 points (10-13 FGs).

Loyola will open Horizon League Tournament play next week as the No. 6 seed and will face Detroit in a Wednesday evening quarterfinal game. Check back with www.loyolaramblers.com for more information on the tournament.