BG WBB @ Loyola Chicago

[mbenecke]

Game is about to top off on ESPN+. We’re taking on Kate Achter’s 8-0 Loyola Chicago squad on the road today. It’s a packed house.

Should be a great challenge for this team.

[mbenecke]

4:54 left in the first quarter, BG is up 15-7. Great start in front of a loud crowd. Great school day game atmosphere.

[mbenecke]

End of 1: BG 24, Loyola 18

After a hot start by the Falcons, Loyola got back into it and pushed us hard. Still, nice to see such a strong start on the road.

[mbenecke]

6:11 left in the second quarter, Loyola leads 27-24.

Offense is sputtering big time. We were fundamentally sound in the first quarter, but now we’re just chucking up spinning shots without even looking at the target. Consistency is key, and that’s the biggest thing we’re missing in this program right now.

[Falconwriter]

6:11 left in the second quarter, Loyola leads 27-24.

Offense is sputtering big time. We were fundamentally sound in the first quarter, but now we’re just chucking up spinning shots without even looking at the target. Consistency is key, and that’s the biggest thing we’re missing in this program right now.

Isn't a lot of this because of youth and the fact we are still putting the pieces together? Honestly, I expected big improvement this year (and I think it's happening), but I won't expect to see things to really turn around for one more season.

[mbenecke]

BG is 6/7 from three so far in this game. That’s keeping us in it at this point.

Halftime: Loyola leads 43-39.

[mbenecke]

writer, you’re absolutely right. It’s a very young team - only 3 seniors. As we progress throughout the year, it’ll get better.

I think our progression and improvement is obvious. This is the most fun BG WBB team to watch in my time at BG. I’m excited for them to continue to grow. This program is heading in the right direction.

[mbenecke]

We’re being severely out-rebounded, and that’s really been the difference in this game so far. Gotta find a way to be successful on the boards.

End of 3: Loyola 65, BG 59

We haven’t looked great since the first quarter, but we’re still very much in this game with 10 minutes left against an undefeated team on the road. Overall, I’m encouraged by our resiliency. Let’s see if we can’t come back and steal one.

[mbenecke]

7:02 left, Loyola clinging to a 67-65 lead. BG is playing hard right now and just forced a timeout. We’ve got a shot here.

[mbenecke]

Very interesting how we’ve attacked in the 2nd half. We were 6/7 on threes in the first half, but we haven’t even attempted one this half.

[mbenecke]

Had a chance to tie the game, but missed both free throws. At the other end, we give up an and one. Those are the little differences between where we are now and where we want to go. Gotta clean that type of stuff up.

Still 6 minutes left, 70-65 Ramblers.

[mbenecke]

5:01 left in the game, Loyola leads 70-65.

[mbenecke]

We’ve missed 3 of our last 4 free throws. That’s not going to get it done in a game like this.

[mbenecke]

We trimmed their lead to 2, but they went on a quick 5-0 run.

Thompson had a chance to get an and-one free throw but missed it. We just have to get better at those, man. So, so important and often the difference between winning and losing.

79-74 with 49 seconds left.

[mbenecke]

We’re down 7.

Perry to the line for 2. Makes both.

19.8 seconds left. BG down 81-76.