Loyola Ramblers Triumph Over Bonnies for First A-10 Victory of the Season!

CHICAGO – The Loyola University Chicago women’s basketball squad attained its fourth straight triumph with a 57-40 victory against St. Bonaventure on Sunday at Gentile Arena. Emma Theodorsson and Naelle Bernard spearheaded the Ramblers with 13 points apiece, while the team excelled on the boards, out-rebounding the Bonnies 41-32—marking their largest rebounding advantage of the season.

“I am very proud of our squad and our capability to secure our first A-10 victory here at home in Gentile after the break,” stated Loyola Chicago Head Coach Allison Guth. “I am very committed to the aspects we aimed to enhance, particularly the importance of possessions and securing rebounds. When we entered the locker room—excluding team rebounds—we celebrated the fact that we allowed only one offensive rebound to St. Bonaventure. That is a significant step toward progress for us in terms of rebounding, and we take great pride in that.

Event Overview

Theodorsson contributed eight of Loyola’s (9-4, 1-1 Atlantic 10) initial 10 points, beginning with a three-pointer at the 7:37 mark. The junior followed up with a driving layup for the next points, while Sitori Tanin increased the Ramblers’ lead to 7-4 with a layup after a Bonnies (4-8, 0-1 Atlantic 10) turnover. In total, the Maroon and Gold capitalized on eight St. Bonaventure turnovers before the game reached a tied score of 7-7 after the first quarter.

The ‘Blers commenced the second quarter with a 5-0 run and built their largest lead at that time (five points), going ahead 12-7. The run was momentarily halted by Dani Haskell’s jumper at the 6:39 mark, but Tanin and Alexa Kinas managed to score, extending the advantage to seven points (16-9). The Bonnies narrowed the lead with an 8-2 run, concluding the half with Loyola ahead 18-17.

In the third quarter, Bernard nailed a second-chance three to push Loyola’s lead to six (25-16). Following that, both teams exchanged scores before LUC led 29-23 as they entered the fourth and final quarter.

This quarter was filled with action as Loyola discovered its offensive tempo in the last period. The team lit up the scoreboard with 28 points, which marked their highest-scoring final quarter since achieving 30 points against Kentucky State in the season opener. Two back-to-back stepback threes from Bernard propelled Loyola to a 48-34 lead with 2:37 left. A 7-0 run from the 1:07 mark until the final 13 seconds solidified the victory, as Loyola clinched a 57-40 win.

Additional Notes

• Loyola’s four-game winning streak equals the program’s longest during the Guth regime.
• The last occasion Loyola restricted an A-10 opponent to 40 points or fewer was on Feb. 8, 2024, during the team’s 71-39 win at La Salle.
• Winning the rebounding battle today by eight, Loyola has emerged victorious in the glass department in five of its last six contests.
• Theodorsson scored 13 points and matched her season-high rebounds with eight.
• Bernard also netted 13 points and secured three rebounds.
• Thoranna Kika Hodge-Carr was just one point and one rebound shy of her season best, ending with 11 points and four rebounds.
• Kinas equaled her career-high with eight points. She nearly matched her career-high in rebounds, pulling down five.

Next Game
The Ramblers will be back in action this Thursday (Jan. 2) as they head to Dayton. The game is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN+.