CHICAGO — In its final non-conference game of the season, Loyola Chicago came within two points of Austin Peay in the fourth quarter, but the Governors pulled away late as the Ramblers fell 57-47 at Gentile Arena.

How It Happened
Loyola Chicago opened the game with a narrow 9-8 advantage after the first quarter, scoring six of its nine points in the paint.

Austin Peay responded in the second quarter, building a 24-11 lead before the Ramblers used a 6-0 run, capped by a Rosalie Mercille 3-pointer, to cut the deficit to 24-17 with 4:17 remaining. The Governors answered to take a 27-18 lead into halftime.

Austin Peay extended its advantage to 31-20 early in the third quarter before Loyola Chicago responded with a 9-0 run, highlighted by a basket from Vaughn, to trim the deficit to 31-29 with 5:20 left in the period. The Governors regrouped and carried a 42-36 lead into the fourth quarter. Loyola Chicago scored 12 of its 18 third-quarter points in the paint.

In the final quarter, Austin Peay pushed its lead to 46-36 before the Ramblers answered with an 8-0 run, finished by another Mercille 3-pointer, to make it 46-44 with 5:22 remaining. Austin Peay then outscored Loyola Chicago down the stretch to secure the 57-47 win.

Game Notes

• Loyola Chicago (4-8) placed two players in double figures, led by Brooklyn Vaughn's 15 points. Vaughn also grabbed a team-high eight rebounds.
• Rosalie Mercille finished with 11 points, while Alexa Kinas added six points, six rebounds and three steals.
• The Ramblers collected 15 offensive rebounds that resulted in eight second-chance points. Vaughn led the effort with three offensive boards.
• Loyola Chicago was active defensively, forcing 17 turnovers and recording seven blocks as a team.
• Alex-Anne Bessette paced the Ramblers with two blocks.
• 56 is the second-lowest output Austin Peay has achieved this season

Up Next
Loyola returns to action on New Year's Eve when they begin Atlantic 10 play. Tip-off versus Davidson is set for 2 p.m. CT on ESPN+.