CHICAGO -- Loyola Chicago shot 50 percent from deep en route to an 80-73 win over Lewis in its season-opening exhibition at home on Tuesday, Oct. 27. The Ramblers had two players in double figures, led by sophomore newcomer Mireia Jurado with the game-high 21 points, and senior returner Rosalie Mercille had 15 from the bench. Sophomore guard MD Ntambue added nine points, six assists and four steals.
How It Happened
It was a close first handful of points as the Ramblers fell behind at 12-11 before going on a 6-0 run with 3:28 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from junior guard Kendall Hendrix to take 17-12 lead. Loyola maintained its lead and entered the quarter break with a 19-14 advantage, doing most of its damage in the paint.
The home team kept its first quarter lead intact and went on a 5-0 run at the 1:52 mark, increasing its lead to 37-27 late in the second. The Flyers edged into that lead, but the Ramblers held onto a 37-29 advantage heading into halftime. Mercille and Jurado led Loyola in the second quarter, totaling 13 points.
Following the break, Lewis took a brief lead at 49-47 before Loyola on another 5-0 run, punctuated by sophomore forward Angela Le Faou's basket to grab a 52-49 lead with three minutes to go in the third. From behind the arc, Jurado went 2-for-2 while Mercille sunk one. The Ramblers had a slight edge, 57-56, heading into the fourth quarter.
Both sides exchanged early leads in the final quarter then Loyola opened up a 7-0 run, finished off by a layup from Ntambue to seize a 69-63 lead with 2:13 to go. Junior forward Gabby Wilke closed out the game going 2-for-2 from the free throw line.
Inside the Box Score
- The Ramblers went 6-for-12 from three point range, led by Mercille who went 3-for-4.
- Loyola's defense held Lewis to a 37.1 field shooting percentage.
- The Ramblers' bench came alive, registering 34 points.
- Wilke and freshman Gemma Wichmann had six rebounds apiece.
- Loyola tallied 16 assists in the game and forced 15 turnovers.
Up Next
Loyola opens its regular season against Wright State on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. in Gentile Arena.
