Final Score:
Loyola Chicago – 36, UIC Flames – 45
How it Happened:
The Ramblers and the Flames both got out to ice cold starts. For the Ramblers, the bad events seemed to happen in threes, and not of the made basket variety. Before the game even started the Flames were assessed an administrative technical foul due to some scoreboard issue. Maya Chandler and her streak of 23 made free throws came to the line with an opportunity to give Loyola the lead before the opening tip off. Unfortunately, she would miss. Then within the first minute of the game, the Ramblers second leading scorer Sophia Nolan was tagged with two fouls. She would not reenter the game until after halftime. The Ramblers defense came to play, but it seemed as if the offense was left back in Rogers Park. Loyola limited the Flames to 8 made shots in the first half, but Loyola could only make 6 themselves. Sitori Tanin and Kira Chivers each played great defense. Tanin had 3 blocks and 2 steals, while Chivers had a steal and two held balls that led to extra possessions for the Ramblers.
Not much changed offensively until the end of the third quarter. The Ramblers started to get to the free throw line, and even got 8 points on the fast break, compared to UIC’s 1 point on the fast break. But the Ramblers could not find their range from three point land. Coming into the game, the Ramblers were shooting nearly 37%. They would end up going 1 for 16 on the night. The one make belonged to Kira Chivers, who tried her best to keep her team in the game. She scored 7 of her 8 points in the fourth quarter, and she made 2 huge defensive stops to give the Ramblers extra possessions. In the end, the Ramblers couldn’t make enough shots, and the Flames made 4 free throws to ice the game
Rambler Developments:
Sitori Tanin and Sam Galanopoulos both had gutsy efforts. Tannin played 38 minutes and Galanopoulos played 35 minutes. They were Loyola’s leading scorers, and they both played great defense that kept them in the game. Tanin did this all while she was banged up with a sore wrist. Although the offensive results weren’t pretty, I was glad to see these two in particular play great defensive games. They won’t miss as many shots as they did any time soon.
What’s Next:
Loyola will take on their former MVC conference foe, the Bradley Braves on December 3rd at 5:30 PM. The Ramblers will be playing at home right after the men’s game wraps up. Make sure to come early for the men’s game and stay late for the women’s game tomorrow. They could use your support!
photo courtesy of Loyola Athletics
