Loyola Chicago’s Heartbreaking Defeat Against Dayton

CHICAGO – The Loyola University Chicago women’s basketball squad was defeated, 83-45, by Dayton Thursday evening at UD Arena. Emma Theodorsson topped the Ramblers with 10 points, marking her 34^th career game in double-digit scoring. Naelle Bernard closely followed with nine points.

“We did everything contrary to what our game strategy was this evening,” remarked Loyola Chicago Head Coach Allison Guth. “We fully understood we were entering an atmosphere with significant physicality and rebounding intensity from Dayton, which we hold in high regard.”

How It Unfolded

Jess Finney and Bernard drained a couple of three-pointers, establishing an early 6-5 advantage for Loyola (9-5, 1-2 Atlantic 10) over the Flyers (7-6, 1-1 Atlantic 10) prior to the initial media timeout. However, Dayton countered by concluding the quarter on a 13-0 streak. The Flyers shot at a 50-percent rate while constraining Loyola to 20-percent, establishing an 18-6 lead after the first quarter.

The Flyers continued their momentum into the second quarter, extending the margin to 20-6 before Theodorsson’s jumper at the 9:14 mark halted the streak. Dayton, which maintained its 50-percent shooting average with 4-of-8 efforts throughout the period, swelled its advantage to 34-14 as Loyola Chicago finished the half with two successful free throws.

Audrey Deptula and Bernard hit consecutive treys with less than five minutes remaining in the third quarter, sparking a resurgence for Loyola. Theodorsson’s layup at 3:15 served as an encore as Loyola kept the Flyers within 20 points (48-28).

In the fourth quarter, Dayton maintained its shooting prowess, leading to an 83-45 outcome by the time the buzzer sounded.

Notes

• The Ramblers recorded 30-percent from the floor on 13-of-43 shooting.
• Dayton, who entered the game averaging a 39-percent field goal rate, culminated the match with 61-percent on 30-of-49 shooting.
• Following Theodorsson and Bernard in scoring were Kira Chivers and Alexa Kinas, who netted four points each.
• Kinas achieved a team-high four rebounds and four assists.

Next Up
The Ramblers have a quick turnaround as they are scheduled to compete this Sunday (Jan. 5) at George Washington. The game is set to commence at 11 a.m. CT and will be streamed live on ESPN+.