CHICAGO (November 28, 2021)
In Short…
Allison Day poured in 20 points to lead a trio of Ramblers in double figures as Loyola University Chicago turned in a stout defensive performance in a 69-52 victory over Miami (Ohio) this afternoon inside Gentile Arena. The win, Loyola's third straight, sees the Maroon & Gold move to 4-2 overall, while the RedHawks drop to 2-3.
Head Coach Kate Achter's Thoughts…
"I'm very proud of our team. That is as well of an executed scout as we've ever had. Miami is a very potent offensive team that has beaten some really good teams already. It was nice to see Allison get it rolling. Sam found the basket, which is awesome. Defensively, we were really locked into the game plan. We've talked about having a growth mentality after the rough start through our first three games, and I just think this team is going to keep getting better and better."
How It Happened
Following a second-chance score by Tajah Foster-Walker that put Miami on the board first, back-to-back buckets from Day and
Sam Galanopoulos helped edge Loyola in front, 6-2, with just under three minutes gone. The RedHawks answered back, taking a 10-8 lead on a driving score by Ivy Wolf at the 3:32 mark. Loyola responded, with a Galanopoulos layup with 2:45 to play igniting a quarter-ending 12-0 run that sent the Maroon & Gold on top, 20-10.
Loyola picked up right where it left off to begin the second quarter, as
Janae Gonzales buried her second three of the day to push the gap to 23-10. The margin reached 33-18 on a
Sitori Tanin stick back before the visitors mounted a push of their own, climbing within seven, 35-28, on an Edyn Battle split at the free throw line with 3:52 to play in the half. The Ramblers quickly reestablished a double-digit lead, with a
Julia Hoefling layup and another Gonzales triple pushing the difference to 40-28, as Loyola ultimately took a 40-30 lead into halftime.
Maya Chandler opened the second half with a make of her own from outside, draining a deep three to up the lead to 43-30. Miami struggled to put a dent in its deficit for the remainder of the frame, as a pair of
Jala Johnson makes at the charity stripe gave the Ramblers their largest advantage of the day to that point, 55-38, in the waning seconds of the third quarter. Jordan Tuff looked to provide the RedHawks a spark late, connecting from distance on their final possession of the third quarter to trim Loyola's lead to 55-41.
The Maroon & Gold quickly put away any lingering doubt in the early stages of the fourth quarter. Another Hoefling post score that was followed by three straight buckets from Tanin stretched the lead past the 20-point mark, 63-41, with only 6:17 remaining, ending any hopes of a Miami comeback.
Inside The Box Score
- Day turned in her top offensive showing of the season, finishing 9-of 13 from the field as she reached the 20-point plateau for the sixth time in her career.
- Galanopoulos added a season-best 11 points (5-6 FGs, 1-1 3FGs) and handed out four assists.
- Tanin scored in double figures for a third straight game, chipping in 10 points (5-9 FGs) and nine rebounds in addition to a block and three steals.
- Hoefling made her presence felt all afternoon, putting up seven points (3-5 FGs, 1-2 FTs), nine rebounds, five assists, and three blocks.
- Loyola held a potent Miami attack that came in averaging 71.5 points to just 31.7 percent (19-for-60) shooting and forced 17 turnovers. The Ramblers have now held three of their last four opponents to under 40 percent efficiency.
- Katie Davidson paced the RedHawks with 14 points (5-14 FGs, 2-7 3FGs, 2-4 FTs).
Up Next
Loyola leaves the state of Illinois for the first time in 2021-22 next weekend, venturing east for matchups with Dartmouth (December 3) and Vermont (December 5).
