Loyola University Chicago Athletics

CHICAGO -- Brooklyn Vaughn knocked down a buzzer-beater as time expired to lead Loyola Chicago over Wright State, 73-71, at home on Tuesday, Nov. 3, for the Ramblers' first win of the season. 

Three Ramblers reached double figures, led by Vaughn with 18 points and eight rebounds. Sophomore Mireia Jurado added a career-best 14 points and four assists, second-year MD Ntambue contributed a career-high 14 points and junior Kendall Hendrix had a career-high four steals. 

"What an atmosphere! First off, the fans and engagement of being able to get down into late-game situations, and it got so loud, we were able to really lean on the Gentile environment. That was incredible to be a part of," said head coach Morgan Paige. "I'm so happy for our team; we executed. We've been talking about it all week: 'Can we finish plays with boxouts, can we execute the game plan when we get into crunch time?' As we would sub and continue to ask for things, they just kept coming, and that's the best way to look back and see the work they've put in in preparation for their first game, but also just the buy-in to what we're trying to build here."

How It Happened
The Ramblers struggled out of the gate, falling behind 28-11 at the end of the first quarter. Loyola cut Wright State's lead to 32-21 before going on an 11-0 run, highlighted by a three from senior Rosalie Mercille to tie the game at 32 heading into halftime. Loyola's offense was strong from deep in the second quarter, knocking down three three-pointers to account for nine of its 21 points. 

After the break, Ntambue got the first bucket to give Loyola its first lead of the game at 34-32. Then the Ramblers went on a 6-0 run, punctuated by a basket from Vaughn, to grab a 40-34 lead with 6:24 to go in the third. The Raiders stayed in the mix, recapturing the lead at 51-48 heading into the final quarter.

Loyola came out of the third quarter break clicking on all cylinders, going on a 9-0 run to seize a 57-51 lead with 8:09 to go. The Ramblers broke 70 points with 20 seconds left in the game. Jurado went 1-for-2 at the free throw line to go up 71-69. After a Raiders' driving layup to level the score again, Loyola called a timeout and after the break Jurado found Vaughn under the basket for the winning layup. 

Inside the Box Score

• Hendrix also recorded a career-high nine points and matched her career-best four assists. 
• Loyola's defense forced 15 turnovers and turned them into 16 points.
• The Ramblers were the better rebounding team, holding a 37-28 edge. 
• Rookie Gemma Wichmann had the game-high 10 rebounds.