Northwestern
Loyola
Women's Basketball Downs Loyola, 76-73
12/29/1999 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 29, 1999
CHICAGO - The Northwestern University women's basketball upped the series record to 16-0 against Loyola tonight as they defeated the Ramblers, 76-73, at the Gentile Center.
The Wildcats used a 12 point run in the second half to take control of the game and snap their five-game losing streak. Northwestern began the game wtih a basket from Leslie Dolland and traded baskets with Loyola for most of the first half.
Loyola's Ryan Johnson hit a three to open the lead to 10-4 at the 17:12 mark. The 'Cats answered with three quick baskets to to tie. Loyola sank a three to regain the lead and maintained it until the 1:08 mark when Emily Butler buried a three to put the Wildcats up by one as they entered the half.
NU took its first substantial lead of the game with a 12-2 run in the second stanza. Loyola regained composure and got within three during the 12 minute mark. Loyola closed in on the 'Cats and tied the game at 62 with 7:31 remaining. Tracy Hoffmann hit a three to put the Ramblers up, 70-68, with five minutes left in the game.
Neither team could connect for the next four minutes until a Loyola foul sent Natalie Will to the chartiy stripe. Will's accuracy tied the score at 70. The Ramblers headed to the other end of the court for a Beth Dilling three to take the lead in the final minutes of the game. Tami Sears put back a missed layup to make the score, 74-73, with 39 ticks on the clock. Butler sealed the Wildcat win as she sank two free throws.
Butler hit three treys to end with a game and career-high 21 points, while Tami Sears had 19 points and six boards. Leslie Schock added 14 points, while Dolland contributed 10 in the win.
Jenny Pavich led four Loyola players in double figures, scoring 16 points, while Sarah Hamilton and Beth Dilling added 13 point apiece and Lauren Sirus had 11.
Northwestern is back in action on Sunday, Jan. 2 when they travel to Happy Valley to take on the Nittany Lions of Penn State in a 2 p.m. contest.
