In Short…
Allison Day capped off a career-best effort with a game-winning layup with just 0.4 seconds remaining as Loyola University Chicago picked up a thrilling 78-76 win over Vermont (0-2) today in its home opener at Gentile Arena. The Ramblers, who now sit at 2-0 on the year, are off to their best start since opening the 2011-12 season at 3-0.
How It Happened
Both teams shot well over 50 percent as part of a frantic first quarter.
Ellie Rice opened the scoring with a jumper inside at the 9:19 mark, giving the Ramblers a brief 2-0 lead, before Vermont looked to take control, opening up a 15-8 edge following Delaney Richason's second three-point field goal of the afternoon. Loyola battled back to within one, 21-20, on an
Abby O'Connor finish inside, but Vermont provided a response, taking a 26-20 lead into the second quarter following a Hanna Crymble layup as time expired.
Emma Utterback connected from distance just under 90 seconds into the second frame, giving the Catamounts their largest lead of the day, 33-24. A
Tiara Wallace drive and score with 7:26 to play sparked a 10-0 Loyola run that was capped off by a
Jala Johnson layup, putting the Maroon & Gold back on top, 34-33, with 4:24 remaining. With Loyola holding on to a slim 39-38 edge after
Sam Galanopoulos drained her first collegiate triple, Crymble finished inside to regain the lead for Vermont, 40-39, as the visitors headed to halftime with a 41-39 advantage.
Rose Caverly and Richason connected from beyond the three-point arc on consecutive trips early on in the second half to stake Vermont to a 51-45 lead. With its deficit sitting at 55-50, Loyola mounted another surge, rattling off 10 unanswered points, with O'Connor and
Kat Nolan providing four apiece, to pull back in front, 60-55 with just 47 seconds to play in the third quarter. Two Nolan makes at the free throw line with only six seconds remaining in the frame saw the Ramblers stretch their lead to 62-56.
O'Connor's third and final triple of the game saw Loyola take its largest lead of the afternoon, 67-60, at the 6:59 mark. Vermont provided the response, using a 7-0 run to pull level at 67 all with 5:10 remaining. The Catamounts would edge out in front by two on three separate occasions down the stretch, but Loyola seemed to always have a response, ultimately tying the game at 76-76 after two pressure-packed Day free throws with only 51 seconds to play in regulation. With only three seconds left, Loyola forced a key turnover to regain possession, setting the stage for the day's deciding moment. Situated just in front of the Loyola bench, Wallace inbounded to Day in the post. The sophomore did the rest, working around her defender and finishing with her right hand to give the Ramblers a 78-76 lead that they would not relinquish.
Inside The Box Score
- O'Connor led all scorers with 23 points (10-19 FGs, 3-6 3FGs) and seven rebounds, while Day was close behind with a career-best 19 points (8-11 FGs, 3-4 FTs).
- Johnson reached double figures in scoring for the second time in as many games, adding 10 points (5-13 FGs) off the bench.
- O'Connor and Wallace each handed out for assists as Loyola finished the afternoon with assists on 18 of its 34 baskets, committing just seven turnovers.
- The Ramblers operated at a torrid 51.5 percent (34-of-66) from the field, only to see Vermont shoot 56.6 percent (30-of-53).
- Utterback led the Catamounts with 19 points (7-13 FGs, 2-4 3FGs, 3-4 FTs).
Up Next
Loyola begins a season-long four-game road trip with a 12 p.m. tip at Eastern Illinois on Wednesday, November 13.
