CHICAGO – Jess Finney scored a team-high 17 points and Emma Theodorsson chipped in a season-high 15 in Loyola Chicago's 62-44 loss to VCU at Gentile Arena Wednesday night. The Ramblers led VCU after the first quarter, but ultimately suffered from their season-low 25-percent field goal clip.

"We came out strong in the first quarter and were very pleased with how we set the tone on the defensive end, disrupting VCU's actions," said Loyola Chicago Head Coach Allison Guth after the loss. "I thought our team brought their minds, their hearts, and their guts to the game. But in the second quarter, we were stuck at 20 points for—I don't even know how long—but we gave up a copious amount of points, including free-throw rebounds, which are simply unacceptable in our program."

How it Happened
The Ramblers' defense imposed a four-minute scoring drought on VCU in the first quarter, holding the Rams to 0-for-5 shooting and five turnovers during the stretch. On the other end of the floor, Finney drilled a 3-pointer at the 6:07 mark as part of a 10-0 Loyola run. Loyola Chicago ended the quarter 7-of-9 at the charity strip and led the Rams by six points (14-8).

VCU found its rhythm in the second quarter on 6-of-10 shooting (60-percent). Meanwhile, the Rams' defense limited the Ramblers to 2-of-14 shooting (14-percent) through the frame. The Maroon and Gold had life during a quick 4-0 stretch as, at the 6:27 mark, Alexa Kinas spotted Finney downcourt for an uncontested layup, followed by Kinas sinking two free throws at the line. The Rams, however, ended the quarter with a 12-0 run and held a 24-20 lead over Loyola as the two teams broke for the locker room.

The Rams extended their run into the third quarter and built their lead to 10 (30-20). Theodorsson, who tallied 10 points in the quarter, knocked down two clutch 3-pointers to help Loyola trim the deficit to five (33-28) at the 5:14 mark. The Rams weathered the comeback though with a 13-3 run and took a 46-31 edge.

In the fourth quarter, Finney's driving layup with 6:17 to play made it a seven-point affair (48-41), but the Rams finished the game on a 14-3 run to seal LUC's fate. When the dust settled, VCU won the contest, 62-44.

Notes

• The Ramblers only committed two turnovers in the second half.
• Theodorsson scored a season-high 15 points and corralled seven rebounds, a team-high.
• Finney led Loyola on the box score with 17 points, her most since scoring 18 in LUC's win over Chicago State on Dec. 17.
• Loyola snagged 11 steals, its fourth-most in a single game this season. Finney's three led the team and marked a season-high.
• With its 44 points today, the Ramblers have accumulated a perfect 1,000 this season.

Up Next
Loyola Chicago hosts Fordham this Saturday (Jan. 11) in matinee action. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. inside Gentile Arena with the game streaming live on ESPN+.