SAINT LOUIS – The Loyola University Chicago women's basketball team snapped a three-game skid with a thrilling 66-63 road win over Saint Louis Saturday night at Chaifetz Arena. Loyola turned in a season-best 52-percent clip from 3-point range while a trio of Ramblers scored in double figures to secure the win.

"We just left a locker room that was more than hype about this win," said Loyola Chicago Head Coach Allison Guth. "There's a lot riding on this game: one, just because we know we want to get back in the win column and play beautiful Rambler basketball, but we also have an intense rivalry with this crew,"

How it Happened
The Ramblers (11-8, 3-5 Atlantic 10) came out of the gates swinging with a 10-0 run - all the points belonging to Emma Theodorsson. The junior lit up the floor with two 3-pointers, a second-chance jumper, and a layup to ignite the Ramblers' attack. SLU matched the run, but a clutch three from Jess Finney at the 1:06 mark, plus two made free throws from Audrey Deptula, ended the first quarter in Loyola's favor, 15-13.

Naelle Bernard sparked a 9-0 run and helped Loyola hold a seven-point lead midway through the second quarter. Saint Louis (7-12, 1-5 Atlantic 10) battled back on a 9-3 run to end the half, but another three from Bernard during SLU's stretch helped LUC lead the hosts, 32-32, at halftime.

The Maroon and Gold again started hot in the third quarter, using a 14-5 run to lead Saint Louis, 46-38, with 3:21 to play in the frame. Thoranna Kika Hodge-Carr - who started the run with a layup - and Theodorsson teamed up for nine of the 14 points. LUC's eight-point lead was Loyola's largest since starting the game on top, 10-0.

Saint Louis again weathered the run as the two teams were tied up 47-47 after Hodge-Carr's make at the charity stripe to start the fourth quarter. The two teams went back-and-forth through seven lead changes and three ties in a thrilling frame, but Loyola's composure at the free-throw line ultimately secured the victory. With 1:15 left in regulation, Bernard drained a clutch go-ahead 3-pointer, giving the Ramblers a 63-62 edge. Loyola then iced the game by sinking three free throws, sealing a 66-63 win.

Notes

• Loyola finished the night shooting 47-percent from the field (22-of-47), marking their best performance since shooting 49-percent against South Carolina State on Nov. 30.
• LUC's 52-percent (11-of-21) clip from three was its best of the season.
• Theodorsson posted a season-high 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting. She was 4-of-7 from deep for a season-best in made threes.
• Bernard collected 17 points on 5-of-9 shooting. She was 4-of-6 from beyond the arc.
• Hodge-Carr notched her first double-double of her career with 13 points and a career-high 11 rebounds. She capped her performance by dishing out five assists.
• Kira Chivers also logged five assists.
• Roisin Grandberry made her first ever appearance wearing the Maroon and Gold.

Up Next
The Ramblers return to the court this coming Thursday (Jan. 23) for a 6 p.m. tilt with defending Atlantic 10 champions, Richmond. The game will stream live on ESPN+.