CHICAGO (December 20, 2020) – Coming off a win in its home opener on Friday, Loyola University Chicago (2-1) will be back in action on Monday afternoon when it welcomes Mid-American Conference (MAC) preseason favorite Central Michigan to Rogers Park. Fans will not be permitted to inside Gentile Arena for the 12 p.m. tip-off, but can watch live on ESPN3.
Loyola split a pair of games against MAC opposition last season, downing Bowling Green, 84-76, before falling to Western Michigan, 70-60.
LAST TIME OUT
Allison Day finished with 18 points (6-6 FGs, 6-6 FTs) and nine rebounds, leading a quartet of Ramblers to score in double figures, as Loyola cruised to an 80-61 victory over Purdue Northwest on Friday evening. The Maroon & Gold limited the Pride to just 31.9 percent (22-of-69) shooting from the field in the victory, their third in a home opener in as many seasons.
LOYOLA – CENTRAL MICHIGAN – THE SERIES
Monday's matchup marks just the fifth meeting between Loyola and Central Michigan in women's basketball. After seeing Loyola prevail in the first two meetings between the two teams, the Chippewas have picked up back-to-back wins to even the all-time series at two wins apiece. In the most recent encounter, Central Michigan shot just over 50 percent from the field, racing out to an early lead en route to a comprehensive 95-57 victory over the Maroon & Gold on December 1, 2016.
FIRE UP, CHIPS
After dropping a hard-fought 79-70 decision at Michigan State on Friday, Central Michigan arrives in Rogers Park with a 3-2 overall record that includes a 2-0 mark in MAC play. The Chippewas are coming off a banner 2019-20 campaign that saw them finish 23-7 overall, topping the MAC's West Division with a 16-2 record in league action. Reigning MAC Coach of the Year Heather Oesterle's team features a trio of all-league selections, led by guard Micaela Kelly. Kelly, who averages a team-high 23.0 points, was named to both the Becky Hammon and Nancy Lieberman Award watch lists after ranking fifth in the nation in scoring (21.5 ppg) a season ago, taking home MAC Player of the Year honors in the process.
UP NEXT
Loyola opens Missouri Valley Conference play by hosting Indiana State, January 1-2. The New Year's Day matchup with the Sycamores is set for a 12 p.m. tip-off, while the following day's matchup will begin at 1 p.m.
