CHICAGO - The Loyola Chicago women's basketball team held defending Horizon League champion Green Bay to just 20 percent from 3-point range but fell 55-46 on Wednesday night at Gentile Arena.
"We're thrilled to be back at Gentile and to start the season," Loyola Head Coach Allison Guth said. "But I'm disappointed in our offensive performance tonight. We got good looks, but we have to convert. Green Bay's a team with championship experience, and they were the aggressor. I was proud of our fight in the fourth quarter, but it came too late."
How it Happened
Green Bay, which won the Horizon League title last season and faced Alabama in the NCAA Tournament, used a strong third quarter to build an 18-point lead before Loyola mounted a late rally. The Ramblers outscored the Phoenix 17-10 in the final frame to close the gap but ran out of time in their home opener.
Audrey Deptula led Loyola (1-1) with 10 points off the bench, while Clara Djoko anchored the defense with seven rebounds, three steals and three assists. Alex-Anne Bessette added eight points and two blocks, and Alexa Kinas chipped in seven points.
Both teams struggled to find rhythm offensively in the first quarter, with Loyola trailing 8-5 after 10 minutes despite several key defensive stops. The Ramblers broke through in the second quarter behind a spark from their bench, using an 8-0 run highlighted by a 3-pointer from Kendall Hendrix to take a 19-14 lead. Green Bay responded with an 11-5 spurt to edge ahead 25-24 at halftime.
The Phoenix gained separation in the third quarter, shooting 72.7 percent from the floor while holding Loyola to 16.7 percent. The Ramblers fought back in the fourth behind two 3-pointers from Daniella Matus and a late surge led by Chivers and Deptula, who helped trim the deficit to eight in the closing minute.
Loyola's defense limited Green Bay to 2 of 10 from 3-point range and only two offensive rebounds, resulting in zero second-chance points for the Phoenix. The Ramblers' bench once again provided a lift, contributing 24 points for the second straight game.
Game Notes
- Loyola held Green Bay to 20 percent (2 of 10) from 3-point range.
- The Ramblers outscored the Phoenix 17-10 in the fourth quarter.
- Loyola grabbed 23 defensive rebounds and held Green Bay to two offensive boards and no second-chance points.
- Deptula led Loyola with 10 points.
- Djoko paced the Ramblers with seven rebounds, three assists and three steals - all career highs.
- Bessette recorded two blocks, two assists and eight points.
- Kinas added seven points on 3-of-7 shooting.
- Loyola's bench contributed 24 of the team's 46 points.
- The Ramblers forced 19 Green Bay turnovers.
- Green Bay shot 43.5 percent from the field, compared to Loyola's 32.1 percent.
Up Next
Loyola travels to face defending national champion UConn on Wednesday, Nov. 12, in Storrs, Connecticut. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. on TruTV.
