Nov. 12, 2010

Box Score

Ypsilanti, Mich. - Despite a career high 20 points from Lindsey Sebetic in her first career start, Loyola could not overcome a 16-2 second-half run from Eastern Michigan as the Ramblers dropped an 82-64 decision tonight in the season opener for both teams in Ypsilanti, Mich.

Both teams struggled to get anything going early, as the defenses dominated the opening 20 minutes. Loyola managed just one field goal in the first five minutes but relied on its defense to limit EMU to one bucket over the same time frame. A three-pointer by Ellen Ayoub gave the Ramblers a five-point lead (17-12) and a Sebetic trey minutes later restored that same advantage (20-15) with just under six minutes left in the period. Neither team scored for nearly three minutes, as poor shooting and turnovers plagued both teams. Eastern Michigan pulled even at 23 in the final minute on a Tavelyn James three-pointer but an offensive rebound and bucket at the buzzer by Troy Hambric sent the Ramblers to the locker room with a 25-23 lead. Loyola shot just 32% (10 for 31) in the period but a swarming defense limited the Eagles to just five baskets (5 for 24, 21%).

After effectively controlling the tempo in the opening half, Loyola found itself in a faster paced game in the second half. Two free throws from Monica Albano gave LU a 34-33 lead but the Ramblers offense would stagnate at a key juncture, producing just one basket over the next five minutes as Eastern Michigan raced out to a 49-36 lead. Loyola quickly bounced back, using free throws from Ayoub and Skube and another trey from Sebetic to close the gap to eight (55-47) with 8:08 to play. However, the visitors could not sustain the comeback and EMU was able to slowly pull away the rest of the way.

Both teams shot under 40% for the game, with Loyola hitting at 37% and Eastern Michigan slightly better at 39%. However, the Eagles owned the glass, outrebounding the Ramblers 51-27, including a 21-5 advantage on the offensive glass that led to an 18-6 edge in second chance points.

For Sebetic, it was truly a breakout performance. After scoring just seven points all season last year, the Kenosha, Wis. native buried five from downtown and finished with 20 points, four rebounds and four assists in her first collegiate start. She was joined in double figures by Ayoub, who racked up a career-best 16 points.

Loyola returns to action next Tuesday night (Nov. 16) when it opens the home portion of its schedule against Western Michigan. Tipoff from the Gentile Center is set for 7 p.m.