CHICAGO (February 10, 2022)
 
In Short…
Loyola University Chicago pushed current Missouri Valley Conference leader Illinois State (14-9, 10-2 MVC) to the brink, ultimately dropping a 57-53 decision this evening inside Gentile Arena.  Tonight's setback, only the Ramblers' second loss at home this season, sees the Maroon & Gold drop to 12-10 overall and 4-7 in Valley play.
 
How It Happened
After Allison Day and Kate Bullman traded triples to open the scoring, a Bre Hampton-Bey layup at the 7:14 mark sparked a 10-2 Rambler run that was punctuated by back-to-back Anna Brown treys, the second of which gave Loyola a 13-5 lead with 2:26 to play. Following an 8-0 Illinois State run that pulled the Redbirds level at 13-13, Hampton-Bey knocked down a three of her own to put the Ramblers back on top, 16-13, before Sitori Tanin scored in the closing seconds to give Loyola an 18-13 lead at the end of the first quarter.
 
Two Sam Galanopoulos makes at the free throw line stretched the gap to seven, 20-13, with just under two minutes gone in the second frame.  Despite having its struggles on the offensive end, Illinois State continued to battle, cutting the deficit to 20-18 on a Mary Crompton triple with 5:09 remaining in the half.  After seeing Illinois State edge in front, 25-24, Loyola held the visitors scoreless for the final 1:58 of the quarter, taking a 28-25 lead into the locker room following a Day buzzer-beater in the paint.
 
Day looked to pick up right where she left off coming out of the intermission, scoring 91 seconds in to reestablish a three-point lead, 30-27.  A Riley Blackwell corner three pushed the gap back to seven, 37-30, with just 2:30 to go.  Loyola again struck with time winding down, with a Tanin second-chance score making it 41-35 heading to the fourth quarter.
 
Loyola saw its lead evaporate thanks to a 6-0 quarter-opening run by Illinois State, as a Juliunn Redmond split at the line knotted things up at 41-41 with 7:13 to play in regulation.  Maya Chandler connected from distance at the 4:39 mark to give the Maroon & Gold a narrow 46-45 advantage.  Illinois State answered with the night's next six points, taking a 51-46 lead courtesy of two Crompton free throws.  Galanopoulos made it a one-possession game on Loyola's next trip, hitting on a deep three as the shot clock expired to cut the margin to two, 51-49.  Unfortunately, the Ramblers would get no closer the rest of the way, as Illinois State did just enough from the free throw line to escape with a road win.
 
Inside The Box Score
- For the fourth time in as many games, Tanin made an impact off the bench, putting up a team-high 10 points (4-9 FGs, 2-2 FTs), eight rebounds, an assist, a block, and a steal.
- Day chipped in nine points (3-15 FGs, 1-2 3FGs, 2-2 FTs), while Hampton-Bey flirted with a double-double, adding seven points (3-8 FGs, 1-2 3FGs) and nine rebounds.
- Galanopoulos handed out a game-best four assists in addition to seven points (1-5 FGs, 1-4 3FGs, 4-4 FTs) and three rebounds.
- Loyola finished with a 39-33 rebounding advantage and dominated in second-chance points, owning a 16-1 advantage in the category.
- Redmond led all scorers with 16 points (5-10 FGs, 6-7 FTs).
 
Up Next
Loyola is back at Gentile Arena on Saturday when it welcomes Bradley for a 1 p.m. tip-off.