ST. LOUIS - The Loyola Chicago women's basketball team turned in a strong defensive performance Saturday night, limiting Saint Louis to 9.1 percent shooting from 3-point range in a 74-59 road victory at Chaifetz Arena.

The Ramblers (9-11, 5-4 Atlantic 10) placed three players in double figures and never trailed after the opening quarter. Alex-Anne Bessette led all scorers with a career-high 23 points while also pulling down a career-best eight rebounds. Alexa Kinas added 11 points, seven rebounds and four steals, and Audrey Deptula contributed 10 points and two steals off the bench.

"We're really excited to get this group back on the bus — safely — through a snowstorm and back to Chicago with another win," said Loyola Chicago Head Coach Allison Guth. "Individual accolades are great, but what excites me most is the collective effort of this team. There are still areas we can improve, especially with our turnovers, but out-rebounding them 38-28 was a major point of emphasis for us. You can see the confidence growing with this group as they continue to play to each other's strengths."

Loyola Chicago controlled the game inside, outscoring the Billikens 44-26 in the paint while shooting 50 percent from the field. The Ramblers also forced 23 turnovers and finished with a 38-28 advantage on the glass.

Second-chance opportunities helped Loyola Chicago build and maintain separation, as the Ramblers collected 13 offensive rebounds and converted them into eight points. Bessette led the way with three offensive boards.

Defensively, Loyola Chicago held Saint Louis to 38.6 percent shooting overall and just 1-for-11 from beyond the arc. The Billikens grabbed eight offensive rebounds but managed only 11 second-chance points.

How It Happened
Loyola Chicago used a late surge in the opening quarter to take control. After the teams traded baskets early, the Ramblers closed the period on a 7-0 run, capped by a Bessette 3-pointer, to take a 17-13 lead after one. Loyola Chicago scored 10 of its first-quarter points in the paint.

The Ramblers extended the margin in the second quarter, building a 32-21 advantage before going on a 9-0 run in the final two minutes. Deptula knocked down a 3-pointer during the run as Loyola Chicago pushed the lead to as many as 20 points and entered halftime ahead 42-24.

Saint Louis responded after the break, outscoring Loyola Chicago 18-11 in the third quarter, but the Ramblers maintained control and carried a 53-42 lead into the fourth.

Loyola Chicago answered any remaining momentum early in the final period. A 7-0 run midway through the quarter, finished by an Alexus Mobley layup, extended the lead to 63-46 with 5:01 remaining. The Ramblers continued to attack the paint down the stretch and closed out the game for the 15-point victory.

Game Notes

• Loyola Chicago logged its fourth straight win over Saint Louis.
• The Ramblers lead the all-time series 18-8 and are 6-2 against the Billikens since joining the Atlantic 10.
• Loyola Chicago has won five of its last six games, with its only losses during that stretch coming against the A-10's top four teams.
• Bessette recorded career highs with 23 points and eight rebounds.
• Loyola Chicago scored a season-high 74 points.
• The Ramblers held Saint Louis to 38.6 percent shooting from the field and 9.1 percent from 3-point range.
• Loyola Chicago never trailed after taking the lead in the first quarter.
• Loyola's 15-point win margin today is the largest of the season.
• LUC's +10 rebounding margin was its largest of the season. 
• The Ramblers forced 23 turnovers and held a 38-28 edge on the boards.
• Loyola Chicago's bench accounted for 27 points.

Up Next
Loyola returns to the hardwood next Saturday (Jan. 24) when it hosts St. Bonaventure at Gentile Arena,