CHICAGO – The Loyola University Chicago women's basketball team ended its non-conference slate with a 70-57 win over Evansville Saturday afternoon at Gentile Arena. Sitori Tanin led all scorers with a season-high 20 points while also pulling down nine rebounds, nearing a second-straight double-double.

"Obviously, any day you can walk away from the gym and get a W is a good day, especially weathering a tough third-quarter performance," said Loyola Head Coach Allison Guth. "But I want to take us to the first quarter because I do think it reflects the potential our team has to defend with integrity. I was really proud of the way we came out in this game, setting a tone both on the offensive end and on the defensive side of the ball. We shared it 18 times. I think if we score at the rim the way I know we can, those assists—and even potential assists—go up even higher."

How it Happened
The Ramblers (8-4, 0-1 Atlantic 10) came out of the gates swinging, converting on 9-of-27 (53-percent) baskets through the frame. Tanin, who had eight points in the first 10 minutes alone, put the Ramblers up by 13 points (17-4) at the three-minute mark after connecting on a layup after an Evansville (4-7, 0-0 MVC) turnover. Thoranna Kika Hodge-Carr then gave Loyola its largest lead up to that point (16 points) after cashing in a trey thanks to another Evansville turnover.

Rosalie Mercille, who scored eight points in the second quarter on 3-of-5 shooting, kickstarted the quarter with a triple from Tanin. Later at the 4:39 mark, Hodge-Carr's made second-chance layup put LUC up by 21 points before a quick 5-0 run by the Purple Aces shrunk their deficit to 16 points. LUC, however, ended the half with a 4-0 stretch to make it a 36-16 game. The Aces' 16 points were the fewest by a Rambler opponent in the first half since Loyola limited South Carolina State to 14 on Nov. 30.

Loyola Chicago fought through Evansville's third-quarter attack as the visitors outscored LUC, 24-16. The Aces were shooting 10-of-15 (67-percent) from the floor and 4-of-5 (80-percent) from three-point range through the 10 minutes. UE made it a six-point game (41-35) at the 5:26 mark, but the Ramblers finished the quarter on an 11-5 run to regain control.

The Maroon and Gold had their best shooting percentages in the fourth quarter – going 56-percent from the field and 50-percent from downtown. The impressive shooting helped LUC maintain distance from Evansville as the visitors couldn't cut their deficit to single digits again. In the end, Loyola won, 70-57.

Notes

• The Ramblers are on a three-game win streak, its longest of the season.
• Loyola extends its win streak to 12-straight vs. its former Missouri Valley Conference foes.
• Loyola Chicago's 70 total points tied the team's third-most in a single game this season.
• The 'Blers outrebounded Evansville, 36-29. Loyola's +7 rebound differential was its largest since outrebounding Kentucky State by eight in the season-opener.
• The Ramblers forced 17 Evansville turnovers, the second-most of the season in a single game for Loyola.
• Tanin led the way with her season-high 20 points and nine rebounds. She was 8-of-10 from the field and 4-of-6 at the free throw line.
• Hodge-Carr tallied a season-high 12 points and was a perfect 2-of-2 from long range.
• Naelle Bernard scored in double-figures for the second-straight game as she scored 10.

Up Next
Loyola Chicago hosts St. Bonaventure to open Atlantic 10 play at home. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. on ESPN+.