![](https://cdn.socast.io/6616/sites/389/2018/01/07174123/teamHuddleDark.jpg)
By ISU Sports Information
CHICAGO, Ill. – Illinois State Women’s Basketball fell to Loyola in a thrilling fourth quarter contest 62-59.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Redbirds won the tip and Simone Goods put two in on the first attempt. Loyola responded with an 8-point run to lead 8-2 with 8:01 on the clock in the first quarter. The Redbirds battled back and tied the game for the first time as Paige Saylor found Viria Livingston for three. Loyola came back with a 3-point shot by Jessica Cerda to lead 11-8. Loyola went 3-for-6 behind the arc in the first quarter and would finish the frirst ahead 15-11.
Loyola took off on another 8-point run to jump up 23-11. Saylor kept the Birds in the game as she was good for three. The Birds went on a streak and tightened the gap to 23-18. Loyola responded with another 3-pointer to remain on top 26-18. Megan Talbot finished the half strong for the Redbirds as she added four points to trail the Ramblers 26-22 at halftime.
The third quarter was a fight to the finish as the teams tied one time and changed the lead five times. Hannah Green paced the Birds to finish ahead 40-38 as she set a new career high, netting four 3-pointers in a row.
The final quarter remained a back-and-forth affair as the teams fought to the finish. The game came down to the final minute. The Redbirds were ahead 57-56 as Simone Goods was good for two. The Redbirds got caught in foul trouble and sent Loyola to the line. Abby O’Connor sunk both free-throws and the Ramblers were up 58-57. Redbirds were unable to score and the Ramblers took advantage. The Redbirds sent Loyola to the line and the Ramblers went 4-for-4. Saylor put a last second layup for the Birds, but time was not in favor for ISU. Loyola took the win 62-59.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Green led the Redbirds with 18 points, securing a new career high of four 3-pointers. Green tied her career high of four steals in a game, grabbed 6 rebounds and denied three shots.
- Goods followed with 15 points, five rebounds and two assists.
- Saylor continues to be a strong defensive threat as she got away with 3 steals in today’s contest. The freshman point guard also added seven points, four assists and four rebounds.
- Abby O’Connor led the Ramblers to victory scoring 24 points. The freshman forward also denied two shots and grabbed seven rebounds.
- Jessica Cerda scored 12 points for the Ramblers.
QUOTE FROM COACH
“I was proud of the way we battled back after getting down, but we have to figure out a way to come out of the gates more focused. We have to have that effort if we are going to find ways to win on the road.”
What’s Next
The Redbirds return home for a pair of Valley games beginning on Friday as they face Missouri State and take on Southern Illinois on Sunday.