DAYTON, Ohio - Alexa Kinas scored a career-high 20 points and the Loyola Chicago women's basketball team forced 30 turnovers in a 71-68 victory over Dayton on Wednesday night at UD Arena.

"This was a tale of two halves," said Loyola Chicago Head Coach Allison Guth. "I'm proud of how we set the tone with 41 points in the first half, especially since we've struggled to hit that mark in full games recently. While we faced a 16-0 run in the fourth quarter, I'm thrilled with how our team fought through that adversity. For the first time this season, we finished with four players in double figures, proving what we can do when we execute our game plan."

How it Happened
The Ramblers (5-10, 1-3 Atlantic 10) led for more than 38 minutes and never trailed after the first quarter. Loyola Chicago placed four players in double figures, using sustained defensive pressure and decisive scoring runs in the second and third quarters to build a lead it would not relinquish.

Kinas added five steals to pace the Ramblers defensively. Alexus Mobley and Brooklyn Vaughn each scored 15 points, with Vaughn contributing seven rebounds and four assists. Alex-Anne Bessette finished with 12 points. Loyola Chicago totaled 27 points off 30 turnovers and had 22 fast-break points.

After falling behind 9-7 early, Loyola Chicago answered with a 5-0 run midway through the first quarter to take the lead for good. The Ramblers closed the period ahead 19-16, scoring 12 points in the paint.

Loyola Chicago broke the game open in the second quarter. After pushing its lead to 26-21, the Ramblers went on a 13-0 run over a four-minute stretch to build a 39-21 advantage. Loyola Chicago entered halftime leading 41-27.

The Ramblers continued to apply pressure after the break. An 11-0 run late in the third quarter extended the lead to a game-high 22 points at 61-39 with 36 seconds remaining. Loyola Chicago took a 61-42 advantage into the fourth quarter.

Dayton (8-7, 1-3 Atlantic 10) mounted a late rally, outscoring Loyola Chicago 26-10 in the final period and trimming the margin to three in the closing seconds, but the Ramblers forced a turnover and closed out the win at the free-throw line.

Game Notes

• Loyola earned its first win at Dayton since Dec. 6, 2006.
• Loyola's 71 points marked a season high.
• The Ramblers forced 30 Dayton turnovers, the most the Flyers have committed in a single game this season.
• Kinas recorded a career-high 20 points, her second career high in the last three games.
• Bessette (12 points), Vaughn (15) and Mobley (15) also scored in double figures.
• Loyola had four players score in double figures for the first time this season.

Up Next
The Maroon and Gold return to action this Sunday versus Saint Louis at Gentile Arena. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. CT on USA.