GAME INFORMATION
Final Score: Loyola 60, Wichita State 55
Records: Loyola (8-7, 4-0 MVC); Wichita State (3-13, 0-5 MVC)
Location: Gentile Arena -- Chicago, Ill.
Stats: Box Score | Season Stats
Watch: Postgame Comments | Highlights | Photo Gallery

In Short...
Bolstered by strong performances from Nieka Wheeler, Taylor Johnson and Taylor Manuel, Loyola overcame an early nine-point deficit as it defeated Wichita State this evening by a final count of 60-55 inside Gentile Arena. The Ramblers, who are now riding a six-game winning streak, sit at 8-7 overall (4-0 Missouri Valley) after the victory, while the Shockers slip to 3-13 (0-5 Missouri Valley).

How It Happened
Wichita State, which entered the night in the midst of a four-game losing streak, took a two-point lead, 4-2, with just under three minutes gone in the first quarter on a pair of TaQuandra Mike free throws. The Shockers slowly increased their lead, which plateaued at nine on a trio of different occasions in the first half.

Loyola battled back to take the lead, 24-23, after a 7-0 spurt in the second quarter. Wichita State answered right back though, scoring the frame's final six points, the last two of which came on a Mike layup as time expired to take a 29-24 lead into halftime.

The Ramblers wasted little time in chipping away at the start of the third quarter, pulling to within one, 31-30, on a layup from Dakota Vann off of a great feed from Manuel at the 7:45 mark. A long two from Manuel gave the Maroon & Gold its first lead of the half, 34-33, with 5:12 to go but Diamond Lockhart would answer with a triple on Wichita State's next possession to put the Shockers back in front, 36-34. Wheeler's first career three pulled the Ramblers even, 39-39, heading to the fourth quarter.

Back-to-back layups from Wheeler and Manuel, the latter of which came with 6:25 to play, gave Loyola a 47-43 lead and forced a Wichita State timeout. An old-fashioned three-point play from Rangie Bassard cut the lead back down to one, 47-46, but Loyola answered with the game's next five points, all of which came from Wheeler at the charity stripe, and coasted to the finish line from there.

Inside The Box Score
- Tonight's win was the Ramblers' first in program history over Wichita State in seven tries.
- Loyola was led on the night by Wheeler (18 points), Johnson (17 points) and Manuel (15 points). The trio accounted for just over 83% of the Ramblers' offensive output.
- Manuel also finished the night with team-high marks in both rebounds (7) and assists (7). The St. Louis, Mo. product's seven helpers on the night were just one off of her career high in the category.
- Despite seeing Wichita State shoot a blistering 59% (10-of-17) from the field in the first half, Loyola managed to stay within striking distance by forcing 15 Shocker turnovers. The Ramblers ratcheted up on the defensive end in the second half, holding the visitors to only a 39% clip (10-of-26).

Up Next
Loyola returns to the Gentile Arena hardwood on Sunday afternoon when it hosts preseason league favorite Missouri State. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. from Rogers Park.