YSU loses to Loyola

It was the fourth straight loss for the Penguins, who were defeated 86-70.

VINDICATOR STAFF/WIRE REPORT

CHICAGO — The Youngstown State women’s basketball team continues to struggle as it winds down the Horizon League regular season on the road.

The Penguins suffered their fourth straight defeat Thursday night, falling to Loyola 86-70 at the Gentile Center.

YSU (12-15, 7-10 Horizon) led for most of the first half, but was outscored 13-2 over the final five minutes of the half and never was able to recover against the Ramblers (7-21, 5-12). It was the ninth straight loss for the Penguins at the Gentile Center, where they have never won.

Despite the loss the Penguins, still held onto seventh place in the standings and will play host to a Horizon League tournament play-in game Monday at Beeghly Center. Their opponent is still unknown, but most likely it will be Detroit.

Turnovers were the big problem for the Penguins against Loyola as they committed seven over the final five minutes of the first half, blowing a five point lead and falling behind 38-32 at the intermission.

Junior Tiara Scott led the Penguins with 18 points, while senior Jessica Schloemp added 17 points and seven rebounds. Senior Heather Karner also had 11 points for the Penguins.

Loyola, which came into the contest in ninth place in the standings and averaging just 59 points a game, was led by Brittany Boeke with 20 points and Keisha Collins with 17.

The Penguins shot 44.9 percent from the field, hitting on 24-of-54 attempts, but were just 4-of-11 from 3-point range. They committed 18 turnovers, 13 in the first half, and Loyola scored 24 points off those mistakes.

The Penguins were outrebounded 34-33 and the Ramblers dominated inside against them, scoring 44 points inside the paint.

YSU led throughout most of the first half and still held a 30-25 lead with 5:42 remaining before Loyola finished the half with a 13-2 run and the lead they never relinquished.

The Ramblers opened the second half with a 10-4 run and pulled to a double-digit lead with over 14 minutes remaining and the Penguins never got back to within single digits the rest of the way.

YSU will close out the regular season Saturday when it travels to Illinois-Chicago for a 3 p.m. tip off at the UIC Pavilion.