CHICAGO — Loyola Chicago fell behind after a cold second quarter and couldn't recover Sunday in a 58-45 loss to Western Michigan at Gentile Arena.

"Incredibly disappointed with our performance today," said Loyola Chicago Head Coach Allison Guth. "Turning the ball over 14 times and having another lackluster first-half performance is mind-boggling to me. I thought the game prep that our staff put together was fantastic. We knew everything that was going to be coming our way, and we just didn't do our jobs. We got out-rebounded, turned it over too much, and the scoring woes are real. Highly unimpressed with our effort, and we've got to fix it,".

How it Happened
Loyola traded early baskets and led briefly after a Kira Chivers 3-pointer before Western Michigan closed the first quarter on a 6-0 run to take a 14-10 lead.

The second quarter proved decisive. The Ramblers managed just one field goal in the period, shooting 1-for-10, while the Broncos used an 8-0 run to build a 31-15 halftime cushion. Western Michigan's balanced scoring set the tone as the Broncos steadily extended their lead.

Loyola showed life in the third, getting six points from Brooklyn Vaughn and using strong interior play to score 12 of its 15 points in the paint. Chivers, who finished with 18 points and four 3-pointers, also helped spark a brief run that cut the deficit to 45-28.

The Ramblers opened the fourth quarter with a 7-0 burst fueled by Alexus Mobley, who delivered seven points, four rebounds and two steals off the bench. Loyola again made its mark inside, scoring 12 more points in the paint, but the Broncos maintained their composure and closed out the game at the free-throw line to seal the win.

Game Notes

• Chivers scored a career-high 18 points, hitting four 3-pointers.
• Vaughn posted eight points, five rebounds and a career-high five assists.
• Clara Djoko pulled down a career-high eight rebounds, including four offensive boards, helping Loyola finish with 10 offensive rebounds and nine second-chance points.
• The Ramblers forced 13 turnovers and scored nine points off those takeaways.
• Western Michigan shot 43.5 percent and held a 24-16 advantage in bench scoring.
• Mobley added seven points, four rebounds and two steals in her Rambler debut.

Up Next
The Ramblers return to the hardwood Monday, Dec. 15, when they host Oakland. Tipoff is set for 11 a.m. for Field Trip Day. Admission is free.