Feb. 5, 2011
Box Score
CHICAGO - Sophomore Abby Skube racked up her first career double-double and classmate Monica Albano added 15 points as Loyola closed the first half on a 14-2 run and never looked back, knocking off UIC, 62-47, this afternoon at the UIC Pavilion. The Ramblers earn their first regular-season series sweep of their crosstown foe since 1991-92 and improve to 10-11 (4-6 Horizon) while the Flames drop to 10-11 (5-5).
"It was a great way to open the second half of our Horizon League schedule," said head coach Eric Simpson. "I was really impressed with our defense, particularly in the first half, and Abby and Brittany (Boeke) were a real presence on the defensive glass. It is tough to win on the road and this gives us a great boost with two home games next week."
Both teams struggled to score the ball early and Loyola enjoyed a 10-6 lead midway through the first half. Leading 16-13, Lindsey Sebetic knocked down a three-pointer to up the lead to six and the Ramblers found their rhythm from there, ripping off 15 straight points and holding the Flames scoreless for over six minutes before Shanice Sadler scored with 15 seconds left in the period to slice the LU lead to 30-15 at halftime. Loyola shot a respectable 44% in the half while holding UIC to just six baskets on 18% (6 of 34) accuracy.
UIC started to chip away in the early minutes of the second half but Skube helped Loyola maintain its lead, scoring the Ramblers' first seven points of the period. Two stickbacks from Troy Hambric helped keep the lead in double figures before Albano took over, burying three straight three-pointers to bump the lead back to 16 (50-34) at the 10:08 mark. Another trey later made it an 18-point game with just over six minutes on the clock and Loyola cruised from there.
Statistically last in the Horizon League in rebounding, Loyola held a 47-34 edge on the backboards.
Skube finished with career highs of 24 points and 14 rebounds for her first career double-double to lead the way while Albano scored 12 of her 15 points in the second half in support.
Loyola returns to action next Thursday when it hosts Milwaukee at the Gentile Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:45 p.m. with the men's game against the Panthers to follow.
