Feb. 19, 2011

Box Score

Indianapolis, Ind. - Despite 28 points from sophomore Monica Albano, Loyola could not overcome a frigid shooting start in a 69-53 loss to Butler this afternoon at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind. The Ramblers drop to 11-14 (5-9 Horizon) with their second straight loss while Butler gains a stranglehold on second place in the Horizon League, improving to 17-10 (11-4).

Loyola really struggled to find the bottom of the net, missing 12 of its first 14 shots as Butler raced out to a big early lead. The Bulldogs knocked down three straight three-pointers to take a 9-0 lead and led by as many as 21 before the Ramblers began to chip away. Two Abby Skube baskets and another from Brittany Boeke made it a 29-17 game with just over four minutes left but Butler answered with back-to-back treys to bump the lead back to 18 and LU faced a 39-20 deficit at the half. The Ramblers shot just 29% (8 for 28) in the period while Butler converted at 45%, including seven from long distance.

Two straight Albano threes early in the second half helped Loyola try to chip away but Butler was able to hold the charging Ramblers at bay before a late surge saw LU get as close as 11 before the home team closed out the 69-53 win.

Loyola ended the game at 38% after a solid effort in the second half while Butler ended the game shooting 45% and enjoying a 19-2 edge in second chance points.

Albano's 28 points (10-18 FGs, 4-9 3FGs) were two shy of her season high set against Niagara in Decemeber. Skube joined her in double figures with 14 points but was just 6-of-17 from the floor.

Loyola returns home next week for its final two home games of the regular season. The Ramblers take on Wright State on Thursday night at the Gentile Center before wrapping up the homestand on Saturday against Detroit in a game that will be played inside Alumni Gym.