EVANSVILLE, Ind. (February 12, 2021)
 
In Short…
Another impressive defensive showing helped Loyola University Chicago (8-6, 6-4 MVC) jump out to a double-digit lead and never look back in a 67-49 win over Evansville (5-10, 1-9 MVC) this evening inside Meeks Family Fieldhouse in Evansville, Ind.  Tonight marked the fourth time in the Ramblers' last eight games in which they have held an opponent under the 50-point mark.   
 
How It Happened
Fresh off a career-best outing against Drake last Saturday, Ellie Rice looked to pick up right where she left off, knocking down a pair of early threes, the second of which knotted the game up at 6-6 with just under three minutes gone.  Back-to-back Allison Day scores inside pushed Loyola in front, 10-6, shortly after, as the Ramblers held Evansville without a make from the field for nearly nine minutes, opening up an 18-10 advantage at the end of the first quarter.
 
Offense was tough to come during the early stages of the second frame, with both teams going scoreless for the first 3:48 before Rice rattled home a jumper to push the lead to 20-10.  Two Sam Galanopoulos triples bookended a Sitori Tanin layup, as Loyola stretched the gap to 28-10 at the 3:12 mark.  Jossie Hudson connected on a mid-range jumper to pull the hosts within 28-15, but Anna Brown answered with a three on Loyola's ensuing possession, as the Ramblers raced into halftime with a 33-17 edge.
 
Loyola came out firing on all cylinders in the second half, opening the third quarter on a 7-0 tear, punctuated by a Maya Chandler trey, that made it 40-17.  Tanin finished inside just before the midway point of the third quarter to give the Maroon & Gold its largest lead of the night, 46-21.  Evansville would get no closer than 16 the rest of the way, as Loyola picked up its third league road win of the year.
 
Inside The Box Score
- Loyola was spectacular on the defensive end, holding Evansville to just 33.3 percent (16-of-48) from the field.  The Ramblers forced 14 Purple Aces turnovers on the night.
- Rice continued her terrific play of late, finishing with a game-high 16 points (7-12 FGs, 2-5 3FGs) and 11 rebounds en route to her third career double-double.  The Austin, Texas native is averaging 18.0 points over Loyola's last four games.
- Tanin narrowly missed out on a double-double of her own, coming off the bench to add 13 points (6-12 FGs, 1-2 FTs) and a season-best nine rebounds.
- Galanopoulos rounded out a trio in double figures for Loyola with 10 points (4-11 FGs, 2-6 3FGs).
- Led by Rice's 11 caroms, Loyola finished the night with a 46-31 edge in rebounds, 20 of which came on the offensive end as the Ramblers cashed in for 15 second-chance points.
- Chandler, who chipped in eight points (2-8 FGs, 1-2 3FGs, 3-4 FTs), was a handful on the defensive end, recording a game-best three steals.
- Abby Feit paced Evansville with 14 points (4-9 FGs, 2-4 3FGs, 4-5 FTs).
 
Up Next
Loyola goes after a series sweep against Evansville on Saturday at 6 p.m.