Nov. 3, 2013

Box Score

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CHICAGO - Troy Hambric scored 16 of her team-high 18 points in the first half and Loyola led by as many as 30 points before settling for a 67-48 win over UW-Parkside in an exhibition game today at Gentile Arena. The Ramblers defense was the story, holding the Rangers to 26% shooting and forcing 21 turnovers.

"It is always nice to get a win," said first-year head coach Sheryl Swoopes. "I saw some good things out there today but there is plenty for us to work on before we start the regular season. We will continue to work hard in practice this week to get ready for Louisville."

Hambric and Tiana Karopulos combined for Loyola's first eight points and Loyola led 12-6 after six minutes before cranking up the defense. The Ramblers held UW-Parkside to just one basket over the next 7:03, going on a 17-2 run that gave the home team a commanding 29-8 lead with 7:23 left in the half. Hambric had seven points and Katie Faught knocked down a pair of treys to highlight the spurt but a late UWP three-pointer forced Loyola to settle for a 41-25 lead at halftime. Hambric was 7-of-9 from the floor in the opening period and finished the half with 16 points and six rebounds.

Loyola stormed out of the locker room and was able to salt the game away early in the second half. Back-to-back buckets from Molly Crosby opened the period and the Ramblers started the half on an 18-4 run to open up a 59-29 bulge with just under 11 minutes to play. While the pace of the game slowed from there, the lead never dipped under 20 until a Gaby Bronson hit a three-pointer with 1:01 left to account for the final score.

The Ramblers outscored Parkside 42-18 in the paint and also enjoyed an 18-4 edge in fast break point, largely due to the 21 forced turnovers.

Hambric was joined in double figures by Taylor Johnson, who finished with 16 points, six rebounds, five assists and four steals, and Karopulos, who tallied 11 points, five rebounds and four steals in 20 minutes. Crosby also had a solid game inside, narrowly missing a double-double with eight points, 11 rebounds and four blocked shots.

Loyola opens the 2013-14 regular season on Saturday, Nov. 9 when it travels to No. 5 Louisville in the opening round of the Preseason Women's National Invitational Tournament. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. from the KFC Yum! Center.