CHICAGO – In a defensive dual Saturday afternoon at Gentile Arena, the Loyola University Chicago women's basketball team fell, 52-36, to VCU. Although the Ramblers didn't come away with the win, they can hang their hats on the fact that no other team has limited the Rams (15-2, 4-1 A10) to a lower point total thus far in 2023-24.  

"I really have a lot of respect for VCU. They're obviously coming in here with 14 wins, understand winning at a high level, their identity is their defensive prowess, and the way they rebound," said Loyola head coach Allison Guth. "They're very, very fantastic in those areas, and we knew that that was going to be a challenge for us. I think in moments like this, it's so important for players to, in this relationship that we (coaches) have, know we have their back. We know what they're capable of. They just got to believe in themselves right now,"

How it Happened
The Rams' defensive intensity was stout through the first half, limiting Loyola to a 27-percent (6-21) outing from the field. VCU claimed a 12-2 advantage with 1:39 to play in the first frame but Emma Nolan's layup and Alyssa Fisher's free throw cut the deficit to 12-5, VCV, before the first quarter's horn sounded.

The Maroon and Gold cashed in four field goals and two points at the charity stripe through the second frame while limiting the Rams to zero 3-pointers. The 'Blers came within four points after Aaliyah Moore, who tied her season-high (six points) off the bench, knocked down a jumper from Mallory Ramage. But VCU ended the frame on a 6-0 run to claim a 24-14 edge going into the locker room.

Later in the fourth quarter, Loyola Chicago started things off on a 5-2 run after Thoranna Kika Hodge-Carr's jumper in the paint, making the score 40-31, VCU. But that would be the last time Loyola would come within single digits of the Rams. In the end, VCU won it, 52-36.

Notes

• The Ramblers' bench produced 24 points while VCU's scored 14.
• Loyola turned 16 VCU turnovers into 15 points.
• Coming off the bench, Kira Chivers scored eight points while adding two assists and one steal.
• Hodge-Carr tied her season high of eight rebounds while scoring six points.
• Ramage posted a new season-high in steals as she nabbed two.
• Moore's six points off the bench etched a new season-best. She also collected her first block of the season.

Up Next
The Ramblers turn their attention to Wednesday (Jan. 17) as the squad travels to UMass. Tip-off in Amherst is set for 5 p.m. CT with the game streaming live to ESPN+.