FORT MYERS, Fla. - Loyola Chicago erased a one-point deficit entering the fourth quarter and pulled away late for a 62-56 win over Florida Gulf Coast on Monday night in the second round of the WNIT.

The victory sends the Ramblers (16-17) to the Super 16, where they will face George Washington, and marks the first time in program history Loyola Chicago has won multiple postseason games in a single season. The win also gave head coach Allison Guth her 50th victory at Loyola and came against the winningest program in NCAA Division I history (.849).

Loyola Chicago placed two players in double figures, led by Alexus Mobley's season-high 27 points. Mobley scored 17 in the second half and added seven rebounds and five steals, helping the Ramblers force 17 turnovers and convert them into 19 points. Rosalie Mercille added 16 points and tied her career high with five 3-pointers, while Brooklyn Vaughn contributed six rebounds as Loyola finished with a 35-32 edge on the glass.

The Ramblers limited FGCU to 39.6 percent shooting and 22.7 percent from 3-point range, holding the Eagles to 12 points in the fourth quarter.

"Really proud of our team—the effort, grit, and tempo tonight, led by Alexus Mobley," Guth said. "Rosalie Mercille was incredible from beyond the arc, and it was great to see her play with that confidence."

How it Happened
Loyola fell behind 8-3 early before responding with a 12-1 run to take control of the first quarter. Mercille hit three 3-pointers in the period as the Ramblers built a 20-14 lead.

FGCU answered in the second, erasing the deficit and sending the teams into halftime tied at 29.

The Eagles carried momentum into the third quarter and took a 44-43 lead into the final period.

Loyola responded with a decisive 7-0 run to open the fourth, regaining the lead for good. The Ramblers shot 66.7 percent in the quarter and went 5-for-6 at the free throw line down the stretch to secure the win.

Game Notes

• Loyola Chicago earned its first two-win postseason run in program history.
• Guth recorded her 50th win as Loyola head coach.
• There were eight ties and nine lead changes.
• Mobley scored a season-high 27 points, including 17 in the second half.
• Mercille tied her career high with five 3-pointers.
• Loyola outscored FGCU 19-12 in the fourth quarter.
• The Ramblers forced 17 turnovers and held FGCU to 22.7 percent from three.

Up Next
Loyola Chicago will face George Washington on Friday (March 27) in the Super 16. Tip-off at the Charles E. Smith Center is set for 5 p.m. CT.