NORFOLK, Va. - Alexus Mobley recorded a game-high 11 rebounds, and Loyola Chicago opened its first-ever WNIT appearance with a 58-54 victory over Norfolk State on Saturday, securing the program's first postseason win since March 21, 2021.
"Really excited for Rambler Nation — this time of year is about surviving and advancing, and that's what we did tonight," said Loyola Chicago Head Coach Allison Guth. "I was pleased with how we rebounded and defended the paint, and our zone really disrupted them. We need to clean up the turnovers, but Brooklyn Vaughn was huge at the free-throw line late, and Rosalie Mercille hit a big three late. Alexus Mobley's 11 rebounds were critical, and we're continuing that next-player-up mentality as we move on to a tough matchup with Florida Gulf Coast."
The Ramblers (15-17) placed three players in double figures, led by Brooklyn Vaughn with 13 points and six rebounds. Alex-Anne Bessette added 10 points and two steals, while Alexa Kinas contributed 10 points, six rebounds and four steals.
Loyola Chicago controlled the glass, outrebounding Norfolk State 46-36 — its highest rebound total since March 5, 2022. The Ramblers grabbed 19 offensive boards and converted them into 16 second-chance points. Defensively, Loyola Chicago limited the Spartans to 35.2 percent shooting from the field and 23.8 percent from 3-point range while forcing 20 turnovers.
How it Happened
Loyola Chicago opened the game on a 6-0 run but trailed 15-12 after the first quarter. Norfolk State carried a 28-25 lead into halftime before extending its advantage to 38-34 in the third.
The Ramblers responded with a 6-0 run, capped by a Clara Djoko basket, to take a 40-38 lead late in the period. The teams were tied at 40 entering the fourth quarter.
Norfolk State regained a 46-42 lead early in the fourth, but Loyola Chicago answered with a 5-0 run to move ahead for good.
The final minute featured a flurry of fouls and free throws. After Vaughn split a pair at the line to give Loyola a late lead, Norfolk State answered with two free throws to tie the game at 54 with one second remaining.
Following a foul on the ensuing possession, Vaughn returned to the line and knocked down the go-ahead free throw with less than a second left. A direct technical foul assessed to Norfolk State immediately after gave Loyola Chicago additional opportunities, and Kinas converted all three ensuing free throws to extend the margin to four and seal the 58-54 win.
The victory came exactly five years after Loyola Chicago's last postseason win — a March 21, 2021 triumph over Abilene Christian in the Women's Basketball Invitational.
Game Notes
- Loyola Chicago held Norfolk State to 35.2 percent shooting from the field.
- The Ramblers posted their most rebounds (46) since March 5, 2022.
- Loyola Chicago finished with a 46-36 advantage on the glass.
- The Ramblers forced 20 turnovers.
- Loyola Chicago totaled 19 offensive rebounds.
- Brooklyn Vaughn led the Ramblers with 13 points.
- Alexus Mobley pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds.
Up Next
Loyola Chicago advances to the second round of the WNIT and will face Florida Gulf Coast on Monday in Fort Myers, Florida. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.
