Eagles Close Out Non-Conference Schedule With 64-54 Loss to Loyola

YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – The Eastern Michigan University women's basketball team fell to visiting Loyola-Chicago University Saturday, Jan. 5, 64-54, despite a gutsy performance from junior Desyree Thomas (Waterford, Mich.-Mott) and an impressive stat line from senior Taylor Bird (Lawrence, Kan.-Lawrence).

The Eagles (2-11) looked impressive on defense creating 21 turnovers and forcing the Ramblers (5-8) into difficult shots. Their defensive efforts were undermined by their inability to find the bottom on the net. EMU shot 22-of-67 (32.8 percent) and Loyola shot 25-of-54 (46.3 percent). The Eagles all time record verses Loyola now stands at 5-2.

Loyola's Monica Albano led all-scorers with 23, her 18th career 20 point game, while Eastern was led by junior Sara Stone (Plymouth, Mich.-Salem) who put in a career high 15 points. Bird showed she can contribute in multiple ways tallying nine rebounds, 11 points, and four steals.

Loyola's Simone Law struck first scoring a quick layup off a well-designed inbound pass, but coach Tory Verdi's squad responded with a 15 -4 run led by Stone's offensive rebounding and seven points.

Mid-way through the first half the Ramblers' offense started to click as they went on a 7-2 run to chip away at EMU's lead. Impressive rebounding by the Green and White kept Eastern in the game as Loyola ended the first half with nine unanswered to retake the lead for the first time since the opening seconds of the game. The half ended with Loyola leading the Eagles 30-27.

Eastern's shooting woes continued as they went 12-of-32 (37.5 percent) in the first half while Loyola had a similar shooting performance making 12-of-31 (38.7 percent). The Eagles out rebounded Loyola 26-17 in the first half, including 11 offensive boards which led to eight second chance points for the Green and White.

The Ramblers picked up right where they left off in the second half going on an 8-2 run, powered by six from Law, before senior India Hairston (Flint, Mich.-Hamady) put in five points from down low and Bird drained a three pointer to stop the bleeding for the Eagles.

With just over five minutes remaining Eastern Michigan University went on a 6-1 run led by six more points from Stone. Eastern could not provide enough offense to get back into the game as it fell by the final tally, 64-54.

The Eagles will soar into Kalamazoo, Mich. on Thursday, Jan. 10, when they open Mid-American Conference play against in-state rival Western Michigan University. Tip is set for 7 p.m. at University Arena.

Eagles Close Out Non-Conference Schedule With 64-54 Loss to Loyola

Next Event

Team Stats

Sara Stone

Taylor Bird

India Hairston

Amber Bogard

Eastern Michigan Athletics