CHICAGO -- Brooklyn Vaughn scored a career-best 24 points in Loyola Chicago's tight 71-65 loss to Milwaukee on Saturday, Nov. 14 at Gentile Arena. The Ramblers are 2-2 overall after the loss.
Vaughn led Loyola in points and rebounds (7) while senior Rosalie Mercille tacked on 15 points and two steals, and sophomore MD Ntambue helped out with 11 points, four assists and three steals. Loyola grabbed 10 offensive rebounds, turning them into 11 second chance points.
"It was a tough one today, again starting in a hole. I did like our ability to fight back and get back into the game late. Credit to Milwaukee, we really struggled with their two-three zone, which was a product of us slowing down," said head coach Morgan Paige. "As we continue to elevate and grow, we have to make sure we're starting better and being prepared when the game starts, because once we're executing, we're a really good basketball team. It's a matter of getting to that point earlier, but also withstanding runs and having more offensive continuity."
How It Happened
After falling behind 15-6, Loyola went on a 7-0 run with 1:23 left in the first quarter, culminating in a three from Mercille, to narrow its deficit to 15-13 heading into the second. The Ramblers started off with a 6-0 run to take a 19-15 lead. It was short-lived as the Panthers came roaring back to grab a 34-28 lead heading into halftime.
Post-break, Milwaukee built on its lead, going up 10 points at 52-42 before Loyola cut into the deficit thanks to a 5-0 run, highlighted by a three from Mercille with 58 seconds to go. The Ramblers played well near the basket, scoring 14 of its 19 points in the paint.
The Ramblers got up and down the court quickly, scoring four fast break points in the final quarter. Milwaukee widened its lead again, constructing a 68-60 advantage late in the final quarter. Ntambue finished a layup to put Loyola just three points behind with 25 seconds to go. However, the Panthers outscored the Ramblers the rest of the way.
Inside the Box Score
- Mercille had a season-best 15 points.
- The Ramblers out-rebounded the Panthers 36-30; Loyola has been the better rebounding team in all of its games so far this season.
- Loyola shared the ball well, recording an assist on 67 percent of made baskets.
- Angela Le Faou recorded a career-high seven rebounds.
Up Next
Loyola takes a two-game road trip to Illinois State on Tuesday, Nov. 17 then Western Illinois next Saturday, Nov. 21.
