The University of Richmond women’s basketball team defeated Loyola University Chicago 68-49 away on Jan. 4, notching the team’s first Atlantic 10 conference victory of the 2022-2023 season.
After a 65-63 loss to The George Washington University on Dec. 31 that started off conference play, this was the Spiders’ first conference win and first win against the Ramblers, who joined the A-10 conference this season.
The Spiders started the game on a 10-2 run and finished the first quarter leading 15-9, showing the team’s early momentum. Throughout the first quarter, UR shot 50% from 3-point range, hitting three out of six 3-pointers.
In the second quarter, though, the Spiders truly came alive and held the Ramblers to only six points. UR, on the other hand, scored 20 points and surged ahead as the first half came to a close, leading 35-15.
The second half functioned the same way for the Spiders, as with 4:40 left in the third quarter, UR led Loyola Chicago 44-22. The Spiders ultimately won 68-49.
Other than the first quarter where the Spiders only led by six and the Ramblers were still in striking distance, UR controlled the game and never looked back. In fact, Loyola Chicago never led in the game.
“I think we got back to defending and rebounding,” UR head coach Aaron Roussell said after the game. “I think we kind of got them [Loyola Chicago] uncomfortable, forced a lot of tough shots, and for the most part, rebounded those.”
Over the course of the game, the Spiders shot 54.3% from the field, 53.3% from 3-point range and 71.4% from the free-throw line. UR outscored Loyola Chicago in the paint 34-14 and out-rebounded the Ramblers 42-30.
“Any time you come on the road and win a double digit game and have a 20-point lead for most of the game, you have to be really proud of the bounce back and the way that our kids practiced and showed up today,” Roussell said.
On the day, five Spiders scored in double figures and sophomore guard Katie Hill had a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds.
Junior guard Siobhan Ryan, junior forward Addie Budnik and graduate forward Emilija Krista Grava each scored 10 points. First-year forward Maggie Doogan added 12 points off the bench.
“I think that’s the best thing about our team is when we’re rolling, different kids are clicking,” Roussell said.
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This win puts UR at 11-4 on the season and 1-1 early in the conference schedule.
UR’s next game is on Jan. 8 at 1 p.m. at Davidson College.
Contact sports editor jimmy.james@richmond.edu
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