Nov. 15, 2013

Highlights | Postgame Comments | Box Score

CHICAGO - Troy Hambric scored 14 of her game-high 20 points in the first half to help Loyola open up a 15-point halftime lead in an eventual 82-61 victory over IPFW tonight in the consolation bracket of the Women's Preseason National Invitational Tournament (WNIT) at Gentile Arena. The Ramblers get first-year head coach Sheryl Swoopes her first career win and even their record at 1-1 while the Mastodons drop to 0-3.

Both teams started out efficient on the offensive end and IPFW enjoyed a 15-12 lead with just over six minutes elapsed. However, Loyola took over at both ends to assume control of the game. Ayrealle Beavers fed Hambric for a bucket to kickstart a 20-3 run over the next 6:07 that gave the Ramblers a 32-18 advantage with 6:38 on the clock. Hambric was the catalyst, scoring 10 points in the spurt, which ended with a Becca Smith basket. IPFW managed to cut the deficit to nine, 36-27, but Smith buried a corner three-pointer to get it back to double figures and two free throws from Tiana Karopulos in the final minute sent the Ramblers to the locker room at halftime with a 45-30 lead. Hambric hit 5-of-9 from the floor in the period while Smith pitched in with 10 points in nine minutes off the bench.

The lead hovered between 13 and 17 points for the first 10 minutes of the second half before Loyola was able to extend the lead and put the game away. Two Hambric free throws and a Molly Crosby basket bumped the lead to 20 (71-51) before a Karopulos free throw gave LU its largest lead of the night, 74-51, with 7:15 to play and the Ramblers cruised to the finish line from there.

Loyola finished the game at 46% from the floor held IPFW to 36% accuracy. The Ramblers' inside game was also effective against the smaller Mastodons, as Loyola finished 33-of-42 (78.6%) from the foul line.

Hambric finished with 20 points and eight boards and was joined in double figures by Karopulos (17 points), Smith (12) and Taylor Johnson, who posted 10 points, seven rebounds and four assists in 21 foul-plagued minutes. Beavers had a fantastic all-around game, pitching in with five points, seven rebounds and eight assists. Haley Seibert led IPFW with 11 points.

Loyola returns to action tomorrow evening when it hosts Idaho at 6:30 p.m. at Gentile Arena.